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Glucose in Serum (Mass Concentration)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood serum. Glucose levels help monitor blood sugar control, especially important for people with diabetes.

Quick summary

["Glucose levels reflect how well your body manages energy from food."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
58856-6
Short code
GH sp10 SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
GH sp10 SerPl-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for diabetes, monitor diabetes treatment, detect low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), or assess conditions like kidney disease or liver problems that can affect glucose metabolism.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re fasting (not eating), your provider will let you know if that’s required for this test.

What the Results Mean

Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). While reference ranges vary by lab, very high or very low levels may signal health concerns that need further evaluation.

Common Causes of Abnormal Results

Factors like diet, exercise, stress, illness, or certain medications can influence glucose levels. Chronic high or low levels may indicate underlying conditions requiring medical attention.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Glucose testing is critical for diagnosing and managing diabetes, preventing complications like nerve damage or heart disease. It also helps track how well treatments (like insulin or diet) are working.

Short name

Serum Glucose

Frequently asked questions

What does a ‘fasting’ glucose test mean?
A fasting test means you shouldn’t eat or drink anything (except water) for at least 8 hours before the blood draw. This helps get a clearer picture of your baseline blood sugar.
Can I eat before this test?
If your provider didn’t specify fasting, you can eat normally. However, eating may affect the results, so always follow your healthcare team’s instructions.
How often should I get this test?
Frequency depends on your health. People with diabetes may test every few months, while others may need it less often. Your provider will guide you on timing.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy