Glucose in 24-hour urine collection (total)
This test measures the total amount of glucose found in your urine over a 24-hour period. Glucose in urine can indicate how well your kidneys are filtering blood or if your body isn’t properly regulating blood sugar.
["Urine glucose testing helps check kidney function and blood sugar control."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26552-0
- Short code
- Glucose 6h p Glc Ur Ql Strip
- Synonyms
- Glucose 6h p Glc Ur Ql Strip
- 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
- Method
- test-strip
- 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 symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight changes. It can also help diagnose conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders where glucose isn’t properly processed.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting after midnight and ending the same day the next morning. Drink plenty of water to help your kidneys filter glucose, but avoid sugary drinks or foods that could affect results. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
How the Test Works
Your urine sample is analyzed to measure the total glucose excreted. The test may use methods like enzymatic or turbidimetric techniques to detect glucose levels in the urine.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal results may suggest diabetes, kidney issues, or other metabolic problems. Lower-than-expected results could indicate dehydration or conditions affecting glucose metabolism. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
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.
Elevated urine glucose can signal impaired kidney function or uncontrolled diabetes, where glucose spills into urine. It may also reflect conditions like gestational diabetes or certain genetic disorders. Low results might indicate dehydration or lab errors, so results should be reviewed with your healthcare provider.
Short name
Urine Glucose (24-hour)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
What if I miss any urine during the collection period?
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