Glucose, Serum (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood drawn from a vein. It helps monitor blood sugar levels, often used in diabetes management or general metabolic health assessments.
["This test helps track how well your body manages blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes or other conditions affecting metabolism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 9375-7
- Short code
- Glucose 2.5h p 100 g Glc PO SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 2.5h p 100 g Glc 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 This Test Matters
Glucose is your body’s primary energy source. High or low levels can cause health problems, such as nerve damage, heart disease, or fatigue. This test helps doctors check if your blood sugar is within a healthy range.
What to Expect Before the Test
You may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for 8–12 hours before the test, depending on your doctor’s instructions. Bring any medications you’re taking. The blood is drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to a routine blood draw.
What the Results Mean
Results show your glucose concentration in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). While reference ranges vary by lab, very high or very low levels may signal diabetes, hypoglycemia, or other metabolic issues that need further evaluation.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Factors like diet, exercise, stress, or certain medications can affect glucose levels. If your results are outside normal ranges, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, or follow-up tests.
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.
Glucose testing is critical for diagnosing diabetes, assessing prediabetes, or monitoring long-term blood sugar control. Repeated tests help track trends and adjust treatment plans to prevent complications like nerve damage or kidney issues.
Short name
Glucose Level (HPLC)
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What if my results are high?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
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