Skip to content

Glucose (Serum) – High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Method

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

This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood serum using a precise HPLC method. It helps assess blood sugar levels, often used in diabetes management or metabolic evaluations.

Quick summary

["This test helps monitor blood sugar control and identify potential metabolic issues."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
19104-9
Short code
Glucose 1h p Glc SerPl-Imp
Synonyms
Glucose 1h p Glc SerPl-Imp
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 if you have symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, or unexplained weight changes. It may also be used to diagnose or monitor conditions like diabetes, hypoglycemia, or metabolic disorders.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a fasting glucose profile. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.

What Happens During the Test?

A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis using HPLC, a method that separates and measures glucose with high accuracy.

What Do Results Mean?

Results are compared to general reference ranges for glucose in serum, though exact values may vary by lab. High or low readings may signal diabetes, prediabetes, or other metabolic concerns that require further evaluation.

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.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Serum Glucose (HPLC)

Frequently asked questions

How often should I get this test?
The frequency depends on your health status. People with diabetes may need testing every few months, while others may only need it once annually unless symptoms arise.
What if my results are outside the normal range?
If your glucose is elevated, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes (like diet and exercise) or medications. If low, you may need to adjust medications or eat a snack to stabilize blood sugar. Follow-up tests may be scheduled to monitor progress.
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 part of a non-fasting test, eat normally, but inform your provider of any medications or supplements you’re taking.
  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