Glucose in Urine (Qualitative, 24-Hour Collection)
This test checks whether glucose (sugar) appears in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps identify if your kidneys are failing to properly filter blood sugar back into your bloodstream.
["A positive result may signal kidney issues or uncontrolled diabetes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16906-0
- Short code
- Glucose sp3 p chal Ur Ql
- Synonyms
- Glucose sp3 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 normally stays in your blood and is removed by your kidneys. If your body doesn’t regulate blood sugar well (e.g., due to diabetes), some glucose can leak into urine. This test helps detect early signs of kidney problems or diabetes-related complications.
How the Test Works
You’ll collect all your urine over 24 hours and submit it in one container. The lab tests a sample for glucose presence using a chemical reaction that changes color. A positive result means glucose was detected in your urine.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but drink plenty of water to help flush your system. Avoid using diuretics (like caffeine) that might affect urine volume. If you’re pregnant, have kidney disease, or take certain medications, let your provider know.
Common Causes of Positive Results
A positive urine glucose test can occur with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), kidney disease, or conditions like gestational diabetes. It may also appear if you’re dehydrated or have an infection.
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
Urine Glucose Screen
Frequently asked questions
Why might my urine glucose test be positive even if my blood sugar seems normal?
Can I fast before this test?
What if my test shows glucose in my urine but I don’t have diabetes?
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