Glucose, Serum or Plasma Concentration
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood drawn from either your vein (serum/plasma). Glucose is the body’s main source of energy.
["Check your blood sugar levels to manage energy and prevent complications like high or low blood sugar."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53093-1
- Short code
- Glucose p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose p chal SerPl-sCnc
- 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
Doctors order glucose tests to monitor blood sugar levels for various reasons, such as diagnosing diabetes, checking for signs of high or low blood sugar, or evaluating how your body responds to treatments like insulin or medications. It may also be used during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes or before surgeries to assess metabolic health.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. If you’re fasting (not eating or drinking except water) for another test, follow your doctor’s instructions. If you’re not fasting, you may eat and drink normally. Avoid smoking before the test, as it can affect results.
How the Test Is Done
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause much discomfort. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test takes a few minutes, and you can usually return to your normal activities immediately.
What the Results Mean
Your results will show the concentration of glucose in your blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, high or low levels may signal conditions like diabetes, hypoglycemia, or other metabolic issues. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health 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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Glucose Level
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What can affect my glucose test results?
Can I take my blood sugar medication before 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