Glucose in Serum (24-hour profile)
This test measures your blood sugar levels over a 24-hour period using a small, wearable device called a glucose monitor. It helps track how your body responds to food, activity, and medications over time.
["A 24-hour glucose profile helps identify patterns in blood sugar levels that may not be apparent with single-point measurements."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4269-7
- Short code
- Glucose PO Dose
- Synonyms
- Glucose PO Dose
- 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
How the Test Works
A small sensor is placed on your skin and connected to a device that continuously measures glucose levels in your interstitial fluid (the fluid surrounding your blood cells). The device sends data to your healthcare provider’s system for review. Unlike traditional blood draws, this method requires no needles and can be worn for up to two weeks.
Why It’s Done
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have diabetes, prediabetes, or symptoms like frequent urination, extreme thirst, or unexplained weight changes. It helps assess how well your body manages glucose, especially if you’re using insulin or other diabetes medications.
Preparation
No special preparation is needed. You can eat, drink, and move as usual. However, avoid removing or damaging the sensor, and inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you’re taking that might affect blood sugar.
What to Expect
The sensor is applied like a bandage and stays in place for 7–14 days. You’ll receive instructions on how to use the device and when to report results to your healthcare provider. Some devices may require occasional sensor replacements.
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
Frequently asked questions
What does a 24-hour glucose profile measure?
How often should I get this test?
Can I still eat normally while wearing the sensor?
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