Glucose, Serum (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood serum. It helps assess how well your body is using sugar for energy and can indicate conditions like diabetes or metabolic issues.
["Glucose levels help monitor blood sugar balance and detect potential health risks."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1535-4
- Short code
- Glucose 40M p .5 g/kg Glc IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 40M 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 diabetes, high or low blood sugar, or to monitor existing conditions like prediabetes, hypoglycemia, or metabolic disorders. It may also be used during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes or before certain surgeries to assess your body’s response to stress.
What to Expect Before the Test
For this test, you’ll typically have a small needle inserted into a vein in your arm. Blood is drawn into a tube. If fasting is required (common for glucose tests), avoid eating or drinking anything except water for 8–12 hours before the test. Let your provider know about any medications or supplements you’re taking, as they may affect results.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to general reference ranges, but your specific values will be interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your medical history, symptoms, and other tests. Abnormally high or low glucose levels may signal diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic conditions that need further evaluation.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Factors like diet, physical activity, stress, illness, or certain medications can influence glucose levels. Chronic conditions (e.g., kidney disease, liver disease) or infections may also affect results. If you notice frequent fluctuations or unexplained symptoms (e.g., fatigue, blurred vision), discuss your results with your provider.
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 and related complications. Persistently high or low levels can lead to long-term health risks, including nerve damage, heart disease, or kidney problems. Regular monitoring helps prevent complications and guides treatment decisions, such as medication adjustments or lifestyle changes.
Short name
Glucose Level
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What should I do if my glucose level is outside the normal range?
Does fasting affect 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