Glucose, Serum (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This test measures the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood serum using high-performance liquid chromatography. It helps assess your blood sugar levels.
["Glucose levels can indicate how well your body is managing energy and may reflect risks for diabetes or other metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32322-0
- Short code
- Glucose 5h p 75 g Glc PO SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 5h p 75 g Glc PO 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 Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for high or low blood sugar levels, monitor diabetes management, evaluate metabolic disorders, or assess symptoms like excessive thirst, fatigue, or unexplained weight changes.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a fasting glucose profile. Bring any medications you’re currently taking.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, by a healthcare professional. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using HPLC to separate and measure glucose accurately.
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 conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
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 are critical for diagnosing diabetes, prediabetes, or insulin resistance. Persistently high or low levels can cause serious complications, including nerve damage, heart disease, or kidney problems. Regular monitoring helps manage these conditions effectively.
Short name
Glucose Level (HPLC)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high glucose level mean?
What should I do if my glucose is low?
Can diet or exercise 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