Glucose, Plasma (24-Hour Profile)
This test measures your blood sugar levels over a 24-hour period using plasma samples. It helps track how your body responds to food, activity, and medications.
["Understanding your glucose levels throughout the day can help manage diabetes or other metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50212-0
- Short code
- Glucose sp2 SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose sp2 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 Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have diabetes, prediabetes, or symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight changes. It may also be used to assess how well your body controls blood sugar during different times of the day.
How the Test Works
Blood samples are collected at specific times (typically fasting and post-meal) to measure glucose concentration in plasma. The results help identify patterns in your glucose levels, such as spikes or drops, that could indicate issues like insulin resistance or poor medication adherence.
Sample Collection and Preparation
You’ll fast for a set period before the first sample is taken. After that, samples may be collected at regular intervals (e.g., before meals, 1 hour after eating, etc.). Plasma is separated from blood cells for accurate glucose measurement.
What to Expect During the Test
A healthcare provider will insert a small needle into your arm to draw blood. You may feel a brief pinch, but it’s usually over quickly. If you’re uncomfortable, let your provider know so they can adjust the procedure.
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
Glucose Monitoring Profile
Frequently asked questions
Glucose levels measured over 24 hours can reveal whether your body’s natural processes (like digestion or physical activity) affect blood sugar. Abnormal patterns may signal diabetes, hypoglycemia, or other metabolic disorders that require medical attention.
How Often Should I Get This Test?
What If My Results Are Abnormal?
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