Glucose, Serum Concentration
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood drawn from a vein in your arm.
["A simple blood test to check your blood sugar levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45052-8
- Short code
- Glucose 12 AM SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 12 AM 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 is this test done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor blood sugar levels for conditions like diabetes, check for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), or evaluate how your body processes glucose. It can also be used during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes or to assess overall metabolic health.
What should I expect before the test?
You may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for 8–12 hours before the test, depending on your provider’s instructions. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain conditions, your provider may give different guidelines. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
How is the test performed?
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 sent to a lab for analysis.
What do my results mean?
Results are typically reported as a mass concentration of glucose in the serum. While reference ranges vary by lab, lower-than-normal results may indicate hypoglycemia, and higher-than-normal results may suggest hyperglycemia or diabetes. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
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.
Clinical significance: Glucose levels can reflect metabolic health, diabetes risk, or complications like nerve damage (neuropathy) or kidney issues. Frequent monitoring is critical for people with diabetes or insulin resistance, while occasional checks may help detect prediabetes or other conditions early.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What can affect my glucose test results?
Do I need to prepare differently if I’m pregnant?
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