Glucose, 2-hour postprandial (plasma)
This test measures the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood after you’ve eaten a meal. It helps assess how your body handles blood sugar over time.
This test helps check how well your body manages blood sugar after eating.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30345-3
- Short code
- Glucose 2h p 1.2 g/kg Lac PO SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 2h p 1.2 g/kg Lac 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it. It can also help monitor how well your diabetes treatment is working or check for conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically fast overnight before this test, but the 2-hour postprandial portion requires you to eat a standard meal first. Bring any medications you’re taking with you. Your blood will be drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, and you may feel a slight pinch or prick.
What Happens During the Test?
After eating, your blood sugar levels are measured at 2 hours post-meal. The test uses a small sample of blood drawn from a vein. The sample is processed to measure glucose concentration in your plasma.
What Does the Test Result Mean?
Results help determine if your blood sugar stays within a healthy range after eating. Abnormally high or low levels may indicate issues with blood sugar control, diabetes, 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.
This test is critical for diagnosing and managing diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, where blood sugar control after meals can be particularly challenging. It also helps identify prediabetes or other conditions affecting glucose metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What does a high or low glucose level mean?
Do I need to prepare differently if I’m pregnant?
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