Serum Glucose (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This test measures the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood serum. Glucose is your body’s main energy source and is important for proper functioning of cells, tissues, and organs.
["Glucose levels help diagnose diabetes, monitor blood sugar control, and assess metabolic health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26541-3
- Short code
- Glucose 4h p Glc SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 4h p Glc 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 conditions like diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or to monitor existing health issues that affect blood sugar, such as kidney disease or liver problems.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a fasting blood sugar panel. If you’re pregnant, have diabetes, or take certain medications, let your provider know.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but the procedure is quick and usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for glucose measurement using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). While reference ranges vary by lab, abnormal results may signal high or low blood sugar, which can affect your energy, vision, or overall health.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Glucose Level (Serum)
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