Glucose (24-hour urinary collection)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess how well your body is handling glucose metabolism, especially in conditions like diabetes.
["This test helps track sugar levels in urine over time to check for diabetes or kidney issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26537-1
- Short code
- Glucose 2.5h p Glc Ur Ql Strip
- Synonyms
- Glucose 2.5h 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 doctor may order this test if they suspect you have diabetes, kidney problems, or another condition affecting how your body processes sugar. It’s also used to monitor long-term glucose control in people with diabetes.
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 for analysis to determine the total glucose present in your urine.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you should drink enough fluids to produce urine throughout the day. Avoid using urine dipsticks or other at-home tests for glucose during this period.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll collect urine in a container at home or in a clinic. Some facilities may provide instructions on timing and storage to ensure accuracy.
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.
High urinary glucose levels may indicate diabetes, poor kidney function, or other metabolic disorders. Low levels might suggest malabsorption issues or certain medications affecting glucose metabolism. This test helps guide treatment plans and monitor chronic conditions.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Glucose
Frequently asked questions
Why is a 24-hour urine test different from a single urine glucose test?
Can I take medications that affect glucose before this test?
What does it mean if my urine glucose is higher than expected?
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