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Glucose (Serum or Plasma) – 24-Hour Profile with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Measurement

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures your blood glucose levels over a 24-hour period using a specialized HPLC method to assess how your body manages sugar. It helps identify patterns in glucose metabolism.

Quick summary

["Understanding your glucose trends over time can help manage diabetes or other metabolic conditions."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
25672-7
Short code
Glucose 4.5h p Glc SerPl-sCnc
Synonyms
Glucose 4.5h p Glc SerPl-sCnc
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

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of diabetes, prediabetes, or metabolic disorders. It’s also used to monitor long-term glucose control in people with diabetes or those at risk for complications like nerve damage or kidney issues.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a blood draw from a vein in your arm, or if plasma is used, it could be collected from an artery or via a catheter. If a 24-hour urine sample is involved, you’ll need to collect urine over a full day.

What the Test Measures

The test measures glucose concentration in your blood or urine, tracked over time using HPLC to detect variations. This helps identify patterns, such as spikes or drops, that may indicate how your body processes sugar.

How Results Are Interpreted

Results are compared to general reference ranges for glucose levels, but interpretation depends on clinical context (e.g., fasting vs. non-fasting samples). Your provider will discuss findings in relation to your symptoms and medical history.

Reference range

Fasting: 70-100 mg/dLN/A

Specimen: serum

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.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Glucose Profile (HPLC)

Frequently asked questions

What does a 24-hour glucose profile tell me about my health?
It provides a detailed picture of how your body manages glucose throughout the day, which can reveal patterns like spikes after meals or overnight drops. This helps your provider assess whether your current treatment is effective or if adjustments are needed.
Will fasting be required for this test?
No, fasting is not required for this test. The 24-hour profile may involve blood or urine samples collected at different times, but you can eat and drink normally unless instructed otherwise.
How long will I need to prepare for this test?
Preparation depends on the sample type. For blood samples, you may need little to no preparation. For urine samples, you’ll need to collect all urine over a full day, starting at your first morning void and ending after the next morning’s void.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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