Glucose (Serum) – High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Method
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood serum using a specialized HPLC method. Glucose is the primary energy source for your body.
["This test helps monitor blood sugar levels, often used in diabetes management or metabolic evaluations."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40163-8
- Short code
- Glucose 4h p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 4h p chal 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 to check for conditions like diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or to monitor how your body processes glucose. It may also be used during pregnancy, before surgeries, or to assess metabolic health.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed unless instructed. You may fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a fasting glucose study. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The serum portion is separated and analyzed using HPLC to detect glucose concentration.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported as a mass concentration of glucose in your serum. While reference ranges vary by lab, abnormal results may signal high or low blood sugar, which could indicate diabetes, insulin issues, or other metabolic disorders.
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 levels outside normal ranges can indicate diabetes (high blood sugar), hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar), or other metabolic conditions. Repeated testing may be needed to track trends over time, especially in chronic conditions like diabetes.
Short name
Glucose Level (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal glucose levels?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect this test result?
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