Serum Glucose Concentration (24-Hour Profile)
This test measures your blood sugar levels over a 24-hour period using serum samples. It helps assess how your body manages glucose, especially important for those with diabetes or metabolic concerns.
["Understanding your glucose levels over time helps doctors track how your body responds to food, activity, and treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 77681-5
- Short code
- Glucose 11h p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 11h p chal SerPl-sCnc
- 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 if you have symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, or unexplained weight changes. It’s also used to monitor diabetes management, detect prediabetes, or evaluate conditions affecting metabolism.
How the Test Works
Blood samples are collected at scheduled intervals (often every 4–6 hours) to measure glucose concentration in your serum. Results are analyzed to create a profile of your glucose fluctuations.
Sample Collection and Preparation
You’ll have blood drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, on multiple occasions over 24 hours. The samples are processed to separate serum (the liquid part after clotting) for testing.
What to Expect Before the Test
Follow your doctor’s instructions about diet, activity, and medications the day before. Avoid eating or drinking anything (except water) for 8–12 hours before your first draw, as fasting may be required.
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.
A 24-hour glucose profile helps identify patterns like hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can indicate diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic disorders. Abnormal patterns may guide treatment adjustments or rule out conditions like reactive hypoglycemia.
Short name
Glucose Profile (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
How long will I need to prepare for this test?
Will I feel any pain or discomfort during blood draws?
Can I eat or drink anything during the 24-hour 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