Glucose, Serum or Plasma (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood serum or plasma. Glucose is your body’s main energy source.
["Glucose levels help monitor blood sugar and identify potential diabetes or metabolic issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 93791-2
- Short code
- Glucose Mean SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose Mean 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 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 conditions such as kidney disease or liver problems. It can also be used to assess how your body processes carbohydrates.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein in your arm to draw blood. If you’re fasting (not eating or drinking except water) for 8–12 hours before the test, your provider will let you know.
What Happens During the Test?
Blood is collected from a vein in your arm using a needle. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test is quick and usually takes a few minutes.
What Are the Results?
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Your provider will interpret the results based on your health status and medical history.
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, poor insulin function, or other metabolic disorders. Low glucose levels can cause symptoms like shakiness, confusion, or fainting. Regular monitoring helps manage these conditions effectively.
Short name
Glucose Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a normal glucose level mean?
How often should I get this test?
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