Glucose, Serum or Plasma (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood drawn from either your vein or a fingerstick.
["A glucose test helps check for healthy blood sugar levels, often used in diabetes screening or monitoring."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16170-3
- Short code
- Glucose 5 PM SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 5 PM 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 diagnose or monitor conditions like diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or to check for metabolic issues. It can also be part of routine check-ups or before certain treatments.
What to Expect Before the Test
You may need to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s a fasting glucose check. If not fasting, you can eat normally. Avoid smoking or chewing gum right before the draw. Bring any medications you’re taking.
During the Test
A healthcare professional will clean your arm with an antiseptic and insert a small needle to draw blood. You may feel a brief pinch, but it’s usually over quickly. If drawn from a fingerstick, a small cut is made, and a drop of blood is collected on a test strip or tube.
After the Test
The blood sample is sent to a lab, where it’s analyzed for glucose concentration. Results are typically ready within a few hours to a day, depending on the lab. You’ll receive your results from your provider.
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 glucose levels may indicate diabetes or other metabolic disorders, while low levels can signal hypoglycemia, infections, or certain medications. Regular monitoring helps manage blood sugar and prevent long-term complications like nerve damage or heart disease.
Short name
Glucose Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
Will I feel any pain or discomfort?
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