Glucose, 24-Hour Urinary Total (Qualitative or Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of glucose present in your urine over a full day. It helps check for conditions like diabetes where glucose may appear in urine when blood glucose levels are consistently high.
["Assesses how glucose is excreted in urine over 24 hours, useful for diabetes management."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16904-5
- Short code
- Glucose sp1 p chal Ur Ql
- Synonyms
- Glucose sp1 p chal Ur Ql
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- 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
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Glucose in urine can indicate whether your body is handling sugar (glucose) properly. High levels may suggest diabetes or other metabolic issues, while normal results often mean your body is processing glucose as expected.
How the Test Works
Your urine is collected over 24 hours and tested for glucose. The test may be qualitative (yes/no) or quantitative (exact amount), depending on the lab’s method. This helps doctors track how well your body is managing blood sugar levels.
Common Reasons for Testing
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight changes. It’s also used to monitor diabetes treatment effectiveness or screen for conditions like kidney issues related to glucose.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours in a clean container. Drink plenty of water to help flush out glucose, but avoid sugary drinks or foods that might affect results.
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
Short name
Glucose in urine (24-hour collection)
Frequently asked questions
Glucose in urine can signal diabetes or impaired kidney function, as kidneys may fail to reabsorb glucose properly. Persistent glucose in urine may require further evaluation for diabetes management or other metabolic disorders.
How long will results take?
Can I eat or drink anything before the 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