Glucose, Plasma (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your plasma, a component of blood. It helps assess how well your body is using sugar for energy.
["This test checks your blood sugar levels in plasma for diabetes management or metabolic health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16914-4
- Short code
- Glucose p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose p chal 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 monitor blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, evaluate symptoms of low or high blood sugar, or assess conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). It can also be used to check for metabolic disorders or during pregnancy to monitor glucose metabolism.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a fasting glucose study. If fasting isn’t required, you can eat and drink normally. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a precise method to measure glucose concentration.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). While reference ranges vary by lab, your results will be compared to your individual baseline or clinical context. High or low values may trigger further testing or adjustments to your treatment plan.
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 in plasma are critical for diagnosing diabetes, managing blood sugar control, and detecting metabolic disorders. Persistently high or low levels can indicate conditions like diabetes mellitus, prediabetes, or reactive hypoglycemia. Regular monitoring helps prevent long-term complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, or cardiovascular issues.
Short name
Plasma Glucose
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal glucose levels?
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