Glucose, Serum or Plasma (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood. It helps doctors check how well your body is using sugar for energy.
["Glucose levels help monitor blood sugar control, especially for diabetes or other metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1525-5
- Short code
- Glucose 30M p 100 g Glc PO SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 30M p 100 g Glc 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 doctor may order this test to check for diabetes, monitor blood sugar levels over time, diagnose conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or assess how well medications are working to manage blood sugar.
What to Expect Before the Test
For a blood test, you’ll typically have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw blood. If you’re fasting (not eating or drinking except water) for 8–12 hours before the test, your doctor will instruct you accordingly. For urine or other fluid tests, follow any specific preparation guidelines provided.
What the Results Mean
Results are usually reported as a numerical value (e.g., milligrams per deciliter or millimoles per liter), but your doctor will interpret them in the context of your health. Abnormal results may signal diabetes, hypoglycemia, or other metabolic issues that need further evaluation.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
High glucose levels may indicate diabetes, poor insulin function, or recent eating. Low levels can result from conditions like hypoglycemia, excessive insulin, or certain medications. Stress, illness, or physical activity can also temporarily affect glucose readings.
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 testing is critical for diagnosing and managing diabetes, assessing long-term blood sugar control (e.g., through hemoglobin A1c), and identifying conditions like hypoglycemia or metabolic disorders. Frequent monitoring helps prevent complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, or heart problems.
Short name
Glucose Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a normal glucose level mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect my glucose test results?
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