Glucose (24-hour urinary collection)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) excreted in your urine over a full day. It helps assess how well your body is managing blood sugar levels, especially in conditions like diabetes.
["This test helps doctors check long-term sugar control in urine, useful for diabetes management."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26553-8
- Short code
- Glucose 1.5h p Glc Ur Ql Strip
- Synonyms
- Glucose 1.5h p Glc Ur Ql Strip
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- 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
- Method
- test-strip
- CPT
- 82947
- SNOMED
- 260395008
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect you have diabetes or prediabetes, or if you have symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight changes. It can also be used to monitor how well your diabetes treatment is working over time.
How the Test Works
You’ll collect all your urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting after you wake up and ending the next morning. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis to measure the total glucose present.
Sample Collection
To prepare, empty your bladder before starting. Use a clean container and change it every time you urinate. Keep the sample refrigerated if possible. Bring the full 24-hour sample to your doctor’s office or lab on the day of testing.
What to Expect
There are no special preparations needed beyond collecting urine over 24 hours. You may need to adjust your usual activities slightly, such as avoiding certain medications or foods that could interfere with the test results.
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 urine glucose levels may indicate poor blood sugar control, especially in people with diabetes. It can also help detect early signs of kidney issues or other metabolic conditions. Elevated results may prompt further testing or adjustments to treatment plans.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Glucose
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low urine glucose result mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before or during the 24-hour urine collection?
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