Glucose (Serum or Plasma) by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood, drawn from either serum or plasma, using a precise liquid chromatography method.
["Your blood sugar levels help monitor diabetes and other metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14767-8
- Short code
- Glucose 5h p Glc SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 5h p Glc 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
Doctors order glucose tests to check for conditions like diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or to monitor how well medications are working. It may also be used during pregnancy, before surgeries, or to diagnose metabolic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
For serum/plasma tests, you may fast (not eat) for 8–12 hours before the draw, though some labs allow small sips of water. For whole blood tests, fasting isn’t always required. Avoid smoking or strenuous activity 30 minutes before.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare provider will insert a small needle into a vein (usually in your arm) to collect blood. You may feel a brief pinch, but it’s over quickly. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using HPLC to detect glucose concentration accurately.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported as a mass concentration of glucose in your blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, they typically fall between higher and lower bounds (e.g., 70–100 mg/dL for fasting). Abnormal results may trigger further testing or adjustments to treatment.
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
Frequently asked questions
High glucose levels may indicate diabetes, poor insulin function, or stress-related spikes. Low levels can signal hypoglycemia, liver issues, or certain medications. Repeated testing helps track trends over time, especially in chronic conditions.
A ‘normal’ result doesn’t mean your blood sugar is perfectly stable—it just means it falls within the lab’s reference range for your specific test. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your health history and symptoms.
Most glucose tests (especially serum/plasma) require fasting, but some labs allow water. Always follow your lab’s instructions or your doctor’s guidance to avoid inaccurate 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