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Glucose, Plasma (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your plasma, which helps assess blood sugar levels.

Quick summary

["A key check for managing blood sugar, especially for diabetes or metabolic health."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
14753-8
Short code
Glucose 1h p 100 g Glc PO SerPl-sCnc
Synonyms
Glucose 1h p 100 g Glc PO 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 It’s Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor blood sugar levels, diagnose conditions like diabetes, or evaluate how your body processes glucose. It’s often used in routine check-ups, before surgeries, or during pregnancy to track metabolic health.

What to Expect

A small blood sample is drawn from your arm, usually in a clinic or lab. The blood is processed to separate plasma, and the glucose level is measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results are typically ready within a few days.

Normal vs. Abnormal Results

While reference ranges vary by lab, higher or lower than expected glucose levels may signal potential issues like hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health.

How It Affects Health

Chronically high or low glucose levels can impact organs like the heart, kidneys, and nerves. Regular monitoring helps prevent complications and guides treatment plans for conditions like diabetes.

Reference range

Fasting: 70-100 mg/dLN/A

Specimen: serum

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.

Glucose levels in plasma are critical for diagnosing and managing metabolic disorders. Persistently elevated or low levels may require lifestyle changes, medication, or further medical evaluation to prevent long-term damage.

Short name

Plasma Glucose

Frequently asked questions

What causes abnormal glucose levels?
Abnormal glucose results can stem from diet, physical activity, underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid issues), medications, or stress. Your provider may ask about recent changes in eating, exercise, or illness.
How often should I get this test?
Frequency depends on your health status. People with diabetes typically get tested monthly or more often, while others may need it less frequently—your provider will outline a schedule based on your needs.
Can I eat or drink before this test?
For fasting tests, avoid food and liquids (except water) for 8–12 hours beforehand. If this is a non-fasting test, follow your provider’s instructions, as fasting may not apply.
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

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