Glucose, Serum (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood drawn from a vein in your arm. It helps assess your blood sugar levels, which are important for managing conditions like diabetes.
["This test checks your blood sugar levels to help prevent complications from high or low blood glucose."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14749-6
- Short code
- Glucose SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor blood sugar levels, especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, or other conditions that affect glucose metabolism. It may also be used to diagnose diabetes or check for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
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, but this is not always required for a simple serum glucose measurement.
During the Test
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to draw blood. You may feel a slight pinch or sting, but it usually only takes a few seconds. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
The results will show the concentration of glucose in your blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, higher or lower-than-expected results may signal potential health concerns that your doctor will discuss with you.
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
Serum Glucose
Frequently asked questions
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
How Often Should I Get This Test?
What If I Have Questions About My Results?
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