Glucose, Serum (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This test measures the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood serum. It helps assess how well your body is managing blood sugar levels.
["This test checks your blood sugar, which is important for managing diabetes and other metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48810-6
- Short code
- Glucose 5h p 50 g Glu PO SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 5h p 50 g Glu 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
Doctors order glucose tests to monitor blood sugar levels, diagnose diabetes or prediabetes, or check for conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It may also be used during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes or before certain surgeries.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If fasting is required (e.g., for certain glucose tests), follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about diet and activity.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). While reference ranges vary by lab, high or low values can signal diabetes, insulin resistance, or other health concerns. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Common Conditions Linked to Glucose Levels
Abnormally high or low glucose levels can indicate diabetes, hypoglycemia, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances. Repeated testing may be needed to track trends over time.
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 tests are critical for diagnosing and managing diabetes, preventing complications like nerve damage or heart disease, and ensuring proper treatment adjustments. They also help identify risks for conditions like heart disease or stroke.
Short name
Glucose Level (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
What causes blood sugar levels to be tested?
How often should I get a glucose test?
Can lifestyle changes affect glucose test results?
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