Glucose, Plasma (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your plasma, the liquid part of blood that carries nutrients and waste products to and from cells.
["Your doctor may use this test to check blood sugar levels, monitor diabetes, or assess metabolic health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 11143-5
- Short code
- Glucose 45M p 100 g Glc PO SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 45M 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?
Doctors order plasma glucose tests to diagnose conditions like diabetes, track blood sugar trends, or evaluate how your body processes glucose. It may also be used during pregnancy, before surgeries, or to monitor chronic illnesses affecting metabolism.
How Is the Test Performed?
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The blood sample is collected in a tube and sent to a lab for analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a precise method to measure glucose concentration.
What Should You Expect Before or After the Test?
No special preparation is needed unless instructed by your doctor. You may feel slight discomfort during the blood draw, but it usually resolves quickly. Avoid eating or drinking for a specified period (if required) to ensure accurate results.
What Are Common Results and Their Meanings?
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Lower or higher-than-expected values may signal underlying health concerns, such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, and should be discussed 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.
Plasma glucose levels are critical for diagnosing diabetes, assessing insulin resistance, and monitoring metabolic disorders. Abnormal results may indicate poor blood sugar control, prediabetes, or other metabolic syndromes. Regular monitoring helps prevent long-term complications like nerve damage or heart disease.
Short name
Plasma Glucose
Frequently asked questions
How often should I expect this test?
What if my results are 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