Glucose in Serum (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood serum. Glucose is the primary energy source for your body’s cells.
["This test helps assess blood sugar levels and identify potential diabetes or other metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 74774-1
- Short code
- Glucose SerPlBld-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose SerPlBld-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, diagnose diabetes or prediabetes, check for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), evaluate how your body processes glucose, or assess conditions like kidney disease or liver problems. It may also be used during pregnancy to track gestational diabetes.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may be asked to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a glucose tolerance test. Otherwise, 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 blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight sting, but the procedure usually takes just a few minutes. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Your results will be compared to standard reference ranges provided by your lab. High or low glucose levels may signal underlying health concerns that need 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.
Elevated glucose levels can indicate diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic disorders. Persistently low glucose levels may signal hypoglycemia, which can cause dizziness, shakiness, or confusion. Regular monitoring helps manage conditions like diabetes and prevents complications such as nerve damage, kidney issues, or cardiovascular problems.
Short name
Serum Glucose
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What can affect my test results?
Can I eat or drink anything 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