Glucose, Serum (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood drawn from a vein in your arm. It helps monitor blood sugar levels, often used in diabetes management or to assess metabolic health.
["This test checks how well your body regulates blood sugar."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 6762-9
- Short code
- Glucose 1.5h p 50 g Lac PO SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 1.5h p 50 g Lac PO 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 diagnose or monitor conditions like diabetes, high blood sugar, or to check for metabolic issues. It can also be used during pregnancy (e.g., gestational diabetes screening) or before certain surgeries.
What to Expect Before the Test
You may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for 8–12 hours before the test, depending on your doctor’s instructions. Bring any medications you’re currently taking. Avoid smoking or chewing gum right before the draw.
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’s usually over quickly. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis.
After the Test
You can resume normal activities immediately. Apply gentle pressure to the site to stop bleeding, and check for any signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling). Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few hours.
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.
High glucose levels may indicate diabetes, prediabetes, or other endocrine disorders. Repeatedly low levels could signal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially if symptoms like shakiness or dizziness occur. Results help guide treatment plans, such as medication adjustments or lifestyle changes.
Short name
Serum Glucose Level
Frequently asked questions
How Often Should I Get This Test?
What Do My Results Mean?
Can I Eat or Drink Anything 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