Glucose, Serum/Fasting (Pre-Meal)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood after you’ve fasted for a set period, often before a meal. It helps assess how well your body regulates blood sugar levels.
["A fasting glucose test checks if your blood sugar is within a healthy range before eating."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53049-3
- Short code
- Glucose pre-meal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose pre-meal 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 Matters
Fasting blood glucose tests are commonly used to diagnose conditions like diabetes or prediabetes. They help doctors monitor how your body processes sugar and identify potential risks for long-term health issues, such as nerve or blood vessel damage.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 8 to 12 hours before the test. Your doctor or lab technician will provide specific instructions. Bring any medications you’re currently taking, as some may affect results.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is taken from your arm, usually by a needle. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure glucose levels. The results help determine if your blood sugar is consistently high or low.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically compared to a reference range provided by your healthcare provider. High or low readings may signal diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic conditions that require further evaluation.
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: Fasting Glucose Tests Play a Key Role in Diabetes Screening and Management
Short name
Fasting Blood Glucose (Pre-Meal)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my fasting glucose test results?
Can I eat or drink anything before my fasting blood glucose test?
What if my fasting blood glucose is outside the normal range?
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