Glucose, Serum (Quantitative Measurement)
This test measures the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood serum. It helps assess your blood sugar levels and overall metabolic health.
["This test helps monitor blood sugar control, especially important for managing diabetes or other conditions affecting glucose metabolism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14743-9
- Short code
- Glucose BldC Glucomtr-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose BldC Glucomtr-sCnc
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- 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
- glucometer
- CPT
- 82947
- SNOMED
- 260395008
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for high or low blood sugar levels, diagnose conditions like diabetes, or monitor treatment progress. It’s often done during routine check-ups, before surgeries, or when symptoms like excessive thirst, fatigue, or frequent urination appear.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a fasting glucose study. If fasting isn’t required, you can eat and drink normally. Bring any medications you’re taking with you.
During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but it’s usually over quickly. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. The process takes about 15 minutes.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). While reference ranges vary by lab, high or low values may signal diabetes, hypoglycemia, or other metabolic issues. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your health and symptoms.
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.
Glucose levels outside normal ranges can indicate diabetes (high blood sugar), prediabetes (elevated but not yet diabetic), or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Chronic high glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing risks for heart disease, kidney problems, or nerve damage. Regular monitoring helps prevent complications and guides treatment decisions.
Short name
Serum Glucose Level
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What can affect my glucose test results?
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