Glucose, Serum (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood drawn from a vein in your arm, using a specialized chromatography method.
["Helps monitor blood sugar levels for conditions like diabetes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12645-8
- Short code
- Glucose 10h p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 10h p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 70
- Ref high
- 100
- Critical range
- 50 N/A – 400 N/A
- Fasting
- true
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82947
- SNOMED
- 260395008
- 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 doctor may order this test to check for high or low blood sugar levels. Common reasons include diagnosing diabetes, managing existing diabetes, or evaluating symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight changes.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a fasting blood sugar panel, but this test alone does not require fasting.
During the Test
A healthcare provider will insert a small needle into your arm to draw blood. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually takes only a few seconds. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography to measure glucose concentration.
After the Test
You can resume normal activities immediately. There may be a small bruise or redness at the injection site, but this typically fades within a day or two. If you experience excessive bleeding or pain, contact your doctor.
Reference range
Fasting: 70-100 mg/dLN/A
Fasting for 8-12 hours required. Water is permitted. Avoid chewing gum and smoking before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Glucose levels outside normal ranges can indicate diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or other metabolic conditions. Elevated levels may signal insulin resistance or undiagnosed diabetes, while persistently low levels can cause fatigue, dizziness, or confusion. Regular monitoring helps manage these conditions effectively.
Short name
Serum Glucose
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can fasting affect this test?
What are common symptoms if my glucose is high or low?
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