Glucose, Serum or Plasma (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This test measures the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood. Glucose is your body’s main source of energy.
["Check your blood sugar levels to manage energy and prevent complications from high or low blood sugar."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40182-8
- Short code
- Glucose 16h p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 16h 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for diabetes, monitor blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, or evaluate conditions affecting metabolism, such as liver or kidney disease. It can also help diagnose hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
What Does the Test Involve?
A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which separates and measures glucose levels accurately.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. However, if you are diabetic, you may be asked to fast before the test to get a more accurate reading. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for any specific preparations.
What to Expect During the Test
You will sit comfortably while a healthcare professional inserts a small needle into your arm to collect blood. The process usually takes a few minutes. You may feel a slight pinch or discomfort, but it is generally quick and painless.
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.
Abnormal glucose levels can indicate diabetes, prediabetes, or other metabolic disorders. High glucose levels over time can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of heart disease, nerve damage, kidney problems, and vision issues. Low glucose levels can cause dizziness, confusion, or fainting. Regular monitoring helps manage these conditions effectively.
Short name
Glucose Level
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What are the possible risks or side effects?
Can I eat or drink before this 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