Glucose with Glucagon Stimulation Test (Plasma)
This test measures how your body responds to glucagon, a hormone that helps raise blood sugar levels. It’s used to check for conditions affecting how your pancreas releases insulin or how your liver stores and releases glucose.
["Assesses your body’s ability to manage blood sugar after a hormone trigger."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 92820-0
- Short code
- Glucose p glucagon stimulation Pnl SerPl
- Synonyms
- Glucose p glucagon stimulation Pnl SerPl
- 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 doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) that don’t improve with food, unexplained fatigue, or if they suspect a condition like diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, or liver disease. It can also help diagnose rare metabolic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll fast for 8–12 hours before the test. Bring any medications you’re currently taking, as some may need adjustments. Avoid caffeine or sugary drinks before testing.
The Testing Process
A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm. After that, a small amount of glucagon will be injected to stimulate your body’s glucose release. More blood samples will be taken at intervals to measure your blood sugar response.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine if your body’s glucose regulation is working as expected. Abnormal responses may indicate issues with insulin production, liver function, or other metabolic pathways.
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.
Clinical Significance: This test is critical for diagnosing conditions like: - **Hypoglycemia** (unusually low blood sugar), - **Adrenal insufficiency** (inadequate hormone production), - **Liver disease** (impaired glucose metabolism), - **Metabolic disorders** (e.g., glycogen storage diseases). Abnormal results may guide treatment plans, such as medication adjustments or dietary changes.
Short name
Glucagon Stim Test
Frequently asked questions
Will I feel pain during the blood draw?
How long will it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink anything after fasting?
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