Glucose (Serum) with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Method
This test measures the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood serum using a specialized HPLC method. It helps assess blood sugar levels, often used in metabolic evaluations or when standard methods are unavailable.
["This test provides precise glucose measurements for diagnosing or monitoring conditions related to blood sugar."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30251-3
- Short code
- Glucose 2.6h p Glc SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 2.6h p Glc SerPl-sCnc
- 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 Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if they suspect conditions like diabetes, hypoglycemia, or metabolic disorders. It could also be used for research, quality control, or when standard glucose tests yield inconsistent results.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a fasting glucose study. Bring any medications you’re currently taking to your appointment.
What Happens During the Test
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The serum portion is separated and sent to a lab for HPLC analysis, which detects glucose levels with high accuracy.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to reference ranges specific to the HPLC method used. Abnormal levels may indicate issues like high or low blood sugar, which could signal diabetes, liver disease, or other metabolic conditions.
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 levels are critical for diagnosing diabetes, assessing insulin function, and monitoring conditions like hypoglycemia. Elevated or low glucose can signal underlying health risks, including nerve damage, kidney issues, or cardiovascular problems. This test’s precision helps guide treatment plans and long-term management strategies.
Short name
Serum Glucose (HPLC)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Is fasting required for this test?
What if my glucose levels are outside the expected range?
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