Glucose in Serum or Plasma (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood serum or plasma.
["Glucose levels help assess blood sugar balance and detect diabetes or other metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50495-1
- Short code
- GH sp3 SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH sp3 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 high or low blood sugar levels. Common reasons include diagnosing diabetes, monitoring treatment for conditions like diabetes or hypoglycemia, or evaluating symptoms such as excessive thirst, fatigue, or frequent urination.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein in your arm, and a small amount of blood will be drawn. If you’re fasting, your provider will confirm this before the test.
What to Expect During the Test
The test involves a quick blood draw, usually done by a phlebotomist. You may feel a slight pinch, but it only takes a few minutes. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Abnormal results may indicate conditions like diabetes, prediabetes, or other metabolic disorders that need further evaluation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Serum/Plasma Glucose
Frequently asked questions
Glucose levels are critical for diagnosing and managing diabetes, hypoglycemia, and other metabolic disorders. Persistently high or low glucose can cause serious health issues, including nerve damage, heart disease, or complications during pregnancy. Regular monitoring helps prevent long-term complications.
The frequency depends on your health condition. People with diabetes usually get this test every few months or as recommended by their doctor. If you have no known condition, it may not be routinely recommended unless you have symptoms.
Normal ranges vary slightly by lab and method. Typically, fasting glucose levels are considered normal at less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L). Non-fasting levels may range from 70 to 140 mg/dL (3.9 to 7.8 mmol/L), but these can vary.
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