Glucose in Serum or Plasma (24-Hour Fluid Collection)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood over a 24-hour period, typically collected from a fluid sample (serum or plasma).
["Understanding your blood sugar levels over time helps monitor diabetes or other metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109417-6
- Short code
- Glucose Msmt Fld
- Synonyms
- Glucose Msmt Fld
- 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 assess how well your body regulates blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, or other conditions affecting metabolism. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or track responses to treatments.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect a fluid sample (serum or plasma) over 24 hours, often at home, by measuring urine or blood glucose levels at scheduled intervals. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
What the Test Results Mean
The test provides an average glucose level over 24 hours, which can reveal patterns in blood sugar fluctuations. While reference ranges vary by lab, consistent high or low readings may indicate diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic issues.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to diagnose or manage diabetes, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as conditions like reactive hypoglycemia or gestational diabetes.
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 measured over time help identify whether your body is effectively managing sugar, which is critical for preventing long-term complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, or heart problems. Abnormal results may prompt further testing or adjustments to medication or lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
What does a 24-hour glucose test measure?
How is the fluid sample collected?
Can I eat or drink normally during the 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