Glucose, Serum (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood drawn from a vein in your arm. It helps assess how well your body is using sugar for energy and managing blood sugar levels.
["This test checks your blood sugar levels, important for diabetes management and overall metabolic health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48991-4
- Short code
- Glucose 10 PM SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 10 PM 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor blood sugar levels, diagnose diabetes or prediabetes, check for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), or evaluate conditions affecting metabolism, such as liver disease or kidney problems.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a fasting blood sugar check. Bring any medications you’re currently taking.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into your arm to draw blood. You may feel a brief pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to the lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Your provider will interpret the results in relation to your health history and symptoms. High or low glucose levels may indicate conditions requiring further evaluation.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Serum Glucose
Frequently asked questions
High glucose levels may signal diabetes, prediabetes, or other metabolic disorders. Repeatedly low glucose levels could indicate insulin issues or other underlying conditions. Regular monitoring helps prevent long-term complications like nerve damage or heart disease.
How often should I get this test?
What can affect my results?
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