Glucose, 2-Hour Postprandial (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures your blood sugar level two hours after eating to check how your body processes glucose. It helps assess diabetes risk or management.
["Evaluates how well your body handles glucose after meals."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 41024-1
- Short code
- Glucose 2h p 50 g Glu PO SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 2h p 50 g Glu 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
What Does This Test Measure?
The test measures the concentration of glucose (sugar) in your blood after you’ve eaten a meal. It helps doctors determine if your body is effectively managing blood sugar levels, which is important for diagnosing or monitoring conditions like diabetes.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of diabetes (like frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight changes), if you have a family history of diabetes, or if you’re at higher risk due to other health factors.
How Is the Test Done?
A small blood sample is taken from your arm, usually by a healthcare professional. The sample is collected in either serum or plasma and sent to a lab for analysis. You’ll need to eat a meal beforehand to simulate normal eating conditions.
What Are Common Results?
Results are typically reported as a mass concentration of glucose in your blood. Your doctor will compare these results to your medical history and other tests to interpret them.
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.
Clinical Significance: This test is critical for diagnosing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, as well as monitoring treatment progress in people with diabetes. High levels may indicate poor glucose control, while consistently low levels could raise concerns about metabolic issues.
Short name
2-Hour Glucose Test
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
What should I do if I have questions about my results?
Can I eat or drink anything 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