Glucose in Serum or Plasma (24-Hour Profile)
This test measures your blood glucose levels over a 24-hour period using a sample of your serum or plasma. It helps track how your body manages glucose throughout the day.
["Understanding how your body handles glucose over time can help manage diabetes or other conditions affecting blood sugar levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27838-2
- Short code
- GH sp14 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH sp14 p chal 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 This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have diabetes, prediabetes, or symptoms like frequent urination, extreme thirst, or unexplained weight changes. It may also be used to assess how well medications are working or to diagnose conditions like hypoglycemia or insulin resistance.
How the Test Works
During this test, blood samples are collected at multiple intervals over 24 hours. The samples are analyzed to measure glucose concentration in your blood. The results help create a profile of your glucose levels throughout the day.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to follow specific instructions, such as maintaining your usual diet and activity level, but avoiding certain foods or drinks that could affect glucose levels. You may be asked to collect urine or blood samples at home or in a clinic.
What to Expect During the Test
Blood samples are drawn at set times, often including before meals and after meals, to capture glucose levels naturally. The process is usually quick and painless, similar to a regular blood draw.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test provides a detailed picture of how your body regulates glucose, which is crucial for diagnosing diabetes, managing blood sugar control, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. Abnormal results may indicate conditions like hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, or poor metabolic control.
Short name
24-Hour Glucose Monitoring
Frequently asked questions
What does a 24-hour glucose profile tell me about my health?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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