Glucose measured during a 2-hour postprandial (meal) test using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
This test measures your blood sugar level two hours after eating a meal, helping doctors assess how your body handles glucose over time.
["Helps identify how well your body manages blood sugar after eating."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43278-1
- Short code
- Glucose 2h p meal Mlk-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 2h p meal Mlk-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 Is Done
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms of diabetes, prediabetes, or if you’re at risk for blood sugar issues. It’s also used to monitor how well diabetes treatments are working in people who already have diabetes.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for at least 8–12 hours before the test. Bring any medications you’re currently taking, as they may affect results.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a small pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis using HPLC to measure glucose levels accurately.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard ranges for healthy individuals and your medical history. High levels may indicate poor glucose control, while low levels could signal issues like hypoglycemia or other 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.
Clinical Significance: This test is critical for diagnosing conditions like diabetes, assessing long-term glucose control, and evaluating how well medications or lifestyle changes are working. It helps prevent complications like nerve damage or heart disease by catching problems early.
Short name
2-Hour Post-Meal Glucose (HPLC)
Frequently asked questions
What does a normal result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink anything before the 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