Glucose (24-hour urinary collection)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) excreted in your urine over a full day. It helps assess how well your body is managing glucose levels, especially in conditions like diabetes.
["This test helps track how well your body controls blood sugar over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26542-1
- Short code
- Glucose 5h p Glc Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 5h p Glc Ur-mCnc
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- 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
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test if you have diabetes or are at risk for it. It can help check for problems like kidney issues, high blood sugar over long periods, or how well your diabetes medications are working. It’s also useful for monitoring metabolic health in certain chronic conditions.
How the Test Works
You’ll collect all your urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting after you urinate in the morning. The collected urine is then sent to the lab for analysis to measure glucose levels.
Sample Collection
To collect urine for this test, you’ll need to: - Start collecting urine immediately after your morning urine (discard this first sample). - Use a clean container and keep it refrigerated if needed. - Collect every bit of urine for the next 24 hours, including during sleep. - Finish by collecting your urine after the 24-hour period. - Label the container with your name, date, and time of collection.
What to Expect
There are no special preparations needed for this test. You can continue your normal activities, but avoid using diuretics (like caffeine or certain medications) that might affect urine volume or glucose levels.
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.
High levels of glucose in urine can indicate poor glucose control, kidney problems, or other metabolic disorders. It’s important to discuss any abnormal results with your healthcare provider to determine the best next steps, such as adjusting medications or lifestyle changes.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Glucose
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low result mean?
Does this test replace a blood glucose test?
How often should I get 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