Glucose, Serum or Plasma (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood drawn from a vein or capillary. It helps assess how well your body is using sugar for energy.
["Glucose levels can indicate blood sugar control, potential diabetes, or metabolic health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40167-9
- Short code
- Glucose 7h p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 7h p chal 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions like diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or to monitor blood sugar levels during treatment for metabolic disorders. It can also help evaluate how your body responds to medications or dietary changes.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast (not eat) for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a fasting glucose study. If drawn from a capillary (fingerstick), you might experience a small sting, but vein draws are less painful.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm or take a small drop from your fingertip to collect a blood sample. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which separates and measures glucose accurately.
What Are the Results Meaning?
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Your provider will compare these results to your individual reference ranges and clinical context to determine if further action is needed.
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 signal diabetes, prediabetes, or other metabolic issues, while persistently low levels could indicate hypoglycemia or endocrine disorders. Regular monitoring helps manage blood sugar, prevent complications, and tailor treatment plans.
Short name
Glucose Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal glucose levels?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or exercise affect test 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