Glucose in Serum or Plasma (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood, typically drawn from serum or plasma, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
["Glucose levels help assess your blood sugar balance and overall metabolic health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1539-6
- Short code
- Glucose 4h p 75 g Glc PO SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 4h p 75 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 This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for diabetes, monitor blood sugar levels, evaluate symptoms like excessive thirst or fatigue, or assess conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It can also be used to monitor treatment effectiveness for metabolic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a fasting glucose panel. If you’re pregnant, have recent surgery, or take certain medications, let your provider know.
During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief pinch, but the procedure is quick and usually painless. The blood sample is then sent to the lab for analysis via HPLC, which separates and measures glucose levels precisely.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to general reference ranges, but your specific target may depend on your health status (e.g., diabetes vs. normal metabolism). High or low results may trigger further testing or adjustments to your treatment plan.
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.
Abnormal glucose levels can signal diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic disorders. Persistently high or low levels may require lifestyle changes, medication, or close monitoring to prevent complications like nerve damage, heart disease, or frequent hypoglycemic episodes.
Short name
Glucose Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal glucose levels?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink before 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