Glucose, Serum
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood serum. It helps assess how well your body is using sugar for energy and managing blood sugar levels.
["Glucose levels help diagnose and monitor conditions like diabetes or blood sugar imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1534-7
- Short code
- Glucose 3M p .5 g/kg Glc IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 3M p .5 g/kg Glc IV 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 to check for high or low blood sugar levels, diagnose diabetes, evaluate symptoms like excessive thirst or fatigue, or monitor treatment for conditions affecting blood sugar, such as diabetes or hormonal imbalances.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. If you’re fasting (not eating or drinking except water) for the test, follow your provider’s instructions. If you’re not fasting, you may eat and drink normally. Avoid smoking or chewing gum before the test.
How the Test Is Done
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief pinch, but it’s usually over quickly. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Your results will be compared to standard reference ranges provided by your healthcare provider to determine if your blood sugar is within a healthy range or if further action is needed.
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.
Abnormally high or low glucose levels can indicate serious health issues, such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, or other metabolic disorders. Persistently high glucose levels may lead to long-term complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, or heart problems. Persistently low levels can cause weakness, dizziness, or confusion. Regular monitoring and follow-up with your healthcare provider are important to manage these conditions effectively.
Short name
Glucose Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes blood glucose levels to be tested?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink 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