Glucose, 6-hour postprandial, measured in plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
This test checks your blood sugar level 6 hours after eating to see how your body handles glucose over time.
["Understanding how your body processes sugar after meals helps doctors monitor diabetes or other metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 42609-8
- Short code
- Glucose 6h p Lac PO Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 6h p Lac PO 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 Matters for Your Health
Measuring glucose at this specific time helps assess how well your body regulates blood sugar, especially important for people with diabetes or those at risk. It can reveal patterns in how your body responds to food.
How the Test Works
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is processed to measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in your plasma. The test uses a method called high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to detect and quantify glucose accurately.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically fast overnight before this test, but the sample is taken 6 hours after eating. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
Common Reasons for This Test
Doctors may order this test to evaluate diabetes management, check for prediabetes, or monitor conditions like reactive hypoglycemia or metabolic disorders.
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.
This test provides critical information about how your body processes glucose, helping doctors diagnose or manage conditions related to blood sugar control. It’s especially useful for identifying delayed or prolonged spikes in glucose levels after meals.
Short name
6-Hour Plasma Glucose (Post-Meal)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low glucose level mean on this test?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before 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