Glucose, Serum (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood drawn from a vein in your arm. It helps monitor blood sugar levels, often used in diabetes management.
["A simple blood test to check your blood sugar levels, important for managing diabetes or other health conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1547-9
- Short code
- Glucose BS SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose BS 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 This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to diagnose diabetes, monitor blood sugar control in people with diabetes, or check for conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It can also be used during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes or to assess metabolic health.
How the Test Works
A small sample of blood is taken from your arm and sent to a lab. The lab uses an enzymatic method to measure the glucose concentration in your serum. Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
What to Expect Before the Test
You can eat and drink normally before the test unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Avoid smoking right before the blood draw if possible. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to rest for a few minutes afterward.
What to Expect During the Test
A healthcare professional will clean the area on your arm with an antiseptic, insert a small needle to draw blood, and collect the sample into a tube. You may feel a slight sting, but the process usually takes just a few minutes.
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, prediabetes, or other metabolic disorders. Consistently low levels can signal hypoglycemia, which may require medical attention. Regular monitoring helps prevent long-term complications like nerve damage, kidney issues, or heart disease.
Short name
Serum Glucose
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What do my results mean?
Can I eat or drink 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