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Glucose, 24-Hour Urine Collection (Total)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the total amount of glucose found in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess how much sugar your body is excreting, which can indicate how well your kidneys are handling glucose.

Quick summary

["This test helps identify if your body is producing or losing too much glucose, which may signal diabetes or kidney issues."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
47621-8
Short code
Glucose IV Dose
Synonyms
Glucose IV Dose
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 doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight changes. It’s also used to monitor glucose levels in people with diabetes or kidney disease to check for complications like kidney dysfunction or uncontrolled blood sugar.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, starting from one point in time (often midnight) and ending the same time the next day. Keep the urine in a clean container and refrigerate it if needed. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

How the Test Works

The collected urine is analyzed to determine the total glucose content. This involves measuring the amount of sugar present, which can be detected through specialized lab techniques like enzymatic or chromatographic methods.

Possible Results and Their Meaning

Higher-than-expected glucose in urine may suggest diabetes, kidney problems, or other metabolic conditions. Lower-than-expected levels might indicate normal glucose handling or conditions like starvation or severe illness. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.

Reference range

Fasting: 70-100 mg/dLN/A

Specimen: serum

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.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Glucose Profile

Frequently asked questions

What does a high urine glucose level mean?
A high urine glucose level may indicate your body isn’t properly managing blood sugar, which can be a sign of diabetes or kidney issues. It may also suggest your kidneys are struggling to filter glucose back into your blood, as in kidney disease.
What does a low urine glucose level mean?
A low urine glucose level typically means your body is handling glucose well, or you may be experiencing conditions like starvation, severe dehydration, or other metabolic disturbances that reduce glucose production or excretion.
Can diet affect this test?
Yes, diet can influence urine glucose levels. High-sugar or high-carbohydrate foods may temporarily increase glucose in urine, especially if your body isn’t processing it efficiently. Your doctor may ask you to follow a specific diet or timing instructions before the test.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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