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Glucose in Serum or Plasma (24-hour Urine Collection)

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

This test measures your blood or urine glucose levels over time, often to assess how your body handles sugar.

Quick summary

["Helps diagnose diabetes, monitor blood sugar control, or check for hidden sugar in urine."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
109888-8
Short code
Glucose Msmt BldC
Synonyms
Glucose Msmt BldC
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
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 This Test Is Done

Your doctor may order this test to check for diabetes, evaluate how well diabetes treatments are working, or detect conditions like kidney disease or metabolic disorders. A 24-hour urine test specifically looks for glucose that might appear in urine when blood sugar levels are consistently high.

Blood vs. Urine Testing

A blood test measures glucose levels at a single point in time, while a 24-hour urine test collects all urine over 24 hours to see if glucose is consistently present in your urine, which can indicate uncontrolled blood sugar.

What to Expect

For a blood test, you’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm or finger to draw blood. For the urine test, you’ll collect all urine for a full day in a special container. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

Preparation

No special preparation is needed for a blood glucose test, but for the urine test, avoid certain medications or foods that might affect results (like high-sugar drinks). Drink plenty of water unless instructed otherwise.

Reference range

Fasting: 70-100 mg/dLN/A

Specimen: whole-blood

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

Glucose Profile

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive result mean?
A positive result (glucose in urine) typically means your body isn’t properly regulating blood sugar, which could indicate diabetes or another condition. Your doctor will discuss next steps, such as adjusting medications or lifestyle changes.
How often should I get this test?
Your doctor will determine how often you need this test based on your health condition. For example, people with diabetes may need frequent checks, while others may only need it occasionally.
Can I eat or drink before the test?
For a blood test, you can eat and drink normally. For the urine test, avoid high-sugar foods/drinks unless your doctor specifies otherwise, as they may affect results.
  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