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Glucose, 24-Hour Urinary Collection (Mass Concentration)

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

This test measures the total amount of glucose excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess how well your body is managing glucose levels, often used to screen for conditions like diabetes or abnormal glucose metabolism.

Quick summary

["A 24-hour urine glucose test helps track how much sugar your body excretes, useful for diabetes management or detecting hidden glucose issues."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
48985-6
Short code
Glucose 20M p Glc SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
Glucose 20M p Glc 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 This Test Matters

Your doctor may order this test to check for conditions like diabetes, where your body struggles to control blood sugar properly. It also helps identify whether you’re losing too much glucose through urine, which can happen with certain kidney or metabolic disorders.

How the Test Works

You’ll collect all urine for a full 24-hour period in a special container. The sample is then sent to a lab to measure the total glucose content, providing an average daily reading.

Preparation Tips

Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully—typically, you’ll start and end the collection at the same time each day. Drink plenty of water to help flush out glucose if present, but avoid sugary drinks or foods that could skew results.

What to Expect

You’ll likely receive a urine collection kit with instructions. Some patients may need to empty their bladder before starting, and you’ll discard the first morning urine. The rest of the urine is collected in a container throughout the day.

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

Frequently asked questions

How often should I collect urine for this test?
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, starting and ending at the same time each day. This ensures an accurate average measurement of glucose excretion.
Can I eat or drink anything special before the test?
No special diet is required, but avoid sugary foods or drinks that could affect your urine glucose levels. Stick to your usual diet and hydration unless instructed otherwise.
What if I miss any urine during the collection period?
If you miss urine, you’ll need to restart the collection at the next scheduled time. Missing even a small amount can impact the accuracy of the test results.
  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