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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 monitor blood sugar levels.

Quick summary

A key test for managing blood sugar, especially for diabetes or pre-diabetes.

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
30344-6
Short code
Glucose 1h p 1.2 g/kg Lac PO SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
Glucose 1h p 1.2 g/kg 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 check for high or low blood sugar levels, diagnose diabetes, or monitor treatment progress. It’s often used alongside other tests like hemoglobin A1c.

What Does the Result Mean?

Results can indicate whether your blood sugar is within normal ranges, too high (hyperglycemia), or too low (hypoglycemia). Exact values may vary by lab and aren’t always provided in plain language.

How Is This Test Performed?

A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The plasma portion is separated and sent to a lab for glucose measurement using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Common Causes of Abnormal Results

High results may occur with diabetes, stress, or certain medications. Low results can happen with insulin overuse, low blood sugar triggers, or certain medical conditions.

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.

This test plays a critical role in diagnosing and managing blood sugar disorders. Elevated or low glucose levels can signal diabetes, prediabetes, or other metabolic conditions that require medical attention.

Short name

Plasma Glucose

Frequently asked questions

What triggers might affect my glucose levels?
Factors like diet, physical activity, stress, illness, or certain medications can influence your glucose levels. If you suspect these affect your test results, discuss them with your provider.
How often should I get this test?
Your provider will determine the frequency based on your health needs. Regular monitoring may be recommended if you have diabetes or other conditions affecting blood sugar.
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Typically, you’ll fast before this test (no food or drink except water) to get an accurate measurement. Follow your provider’s specific instructions for preparation.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

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