Glucose (24-hour urinary collection)
This test measures the total amount of glucose (sugar) excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period.
["Understanding your urinary sugar levels helps identify how your body processes glucose."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26546-2
- Short code
- Glucose 1h p Glc Ur Ql Strip
- Synonyms
- Glucose 1h 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 healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of diabetes, kidney issues, or unexplained weight changes. It can also help diagnose conditions like glycosuria (excess sugar in urine) or monitor glucose metabolism in certain chronic diseases.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, typically starting after midnight and ending the next midnight. Use a clean container and record the time and amount of each void. Follow any specific instructions your lab provides to ensure accuracy.
How the Test Works
The collected urine sample is analyzed to determine the total glucose content. This test helps assess how much sugar your body is filtering through the kidneys and excreting in urine.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted based on clinical context rather than absolute values. High levels may indicate diabetes, kidney problems, or other metabolic conditions, while normal results suggest healthy glucose metabolism.
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.
This test is critical for diagnosing and managing conditions related to glucose metabolism. Elevated urinary glucose can signal diabetes, kidney dysfunction, or other metabolic disorders. It helps monitor treatment effectiveness and detect early signs of complications.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal range for this test?
How often should I get this test?
Can I drink water 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