Glucagon, Serum (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of glucagon, a hormone produced by your pancreas, in your blood. Glucagon helps regulate blood sugar levels by signaling your liver to release glucose.
["Glucagon helps control how your body uses sugar for energy and can be checked if you have symptoms of low blood sugar or certain metabolic disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 65344-4
- Short code
- Glucagon pre chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucagon pre 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 Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or unexplained low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if you have diabetes or other conditions affecting blood sugar. It may also be used to diagnose or monitor conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or other pancreatic or gastrointestinal disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test if it’s part of a broader metabolic evaluation. Bring any medications you’re currently taking to your appointment.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm by a healthcare professional. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis using a sensitive measurement technique to detect glucagon levels.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard reference ranges for glucagon concentration in serum. Abnormal levels may indicate conditions affecting hormone production, metabolism, or blood sugar regulation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High glucagon levels may suggest conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a rare tumor causing excessive stomach acid) or other pancreatic or endocrine disorders. Low levels could be associated with certain metabolic or genetic conditions. Always discuss results with your provider for personalized interpretation.
Short name
Glucagon Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes glucagon levels to be checked?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I take my medications 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