Glucose in Urine (Qualitative, 24-Hour Collection)
This test checks for glucose (sugar) in your urine over a 24-hour period, often used to monitor blood sugar levels in people with diabetes or kidney function.
["A simple way to track sugar in your urine, helping manage diabetes or kidney health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45204-5
- Short code
- Glucose sp3 p chal Ur Strip-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose sp3 p chal Ur Strip-mCnc
- 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
- Method
- test-strip
- 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 higher than normal blood sugar levels, which may happen if your body isn’t processing sugar well. This can be a sign of diabetes or other metabolic conditions. Your doctor may also use it to check for kidney problems, as glucose can sometimes leak into urine when kidneys aren’t filtering properly.
How the Test Works
You’ll collect all your urine over 24 hours and send it to the lab. The test checks for the presence of glucose using a chemical reaction that turns a color if sugar is detected. Results are qualitative (yes/no) rather than measuring exact amounts.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but drink plenty of water to help flush out your system. Avoid taking any medications that might affect urine sugar levels (like some diabetes drugs) unless your doctor approves. If you’re pregnant, let your doctor know before testing.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll collect every drop of urine for 24 hours in a container provided. Some urine tests use special strips that you dip into your urine sample, but this one requires a full 24-hour collection. Your doctor or lab will guide you on how to store and return the sample properly.
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.
Positive results (glucose detected) may signal uncontrolled diabetes, kidney issues, or conditions like gestational diabetes. Negative results don’t rule out diabetes entirely, so your doctor may order other tests. Frequent positive results could mean your diabetes isn’t well-controlled and may require adjustments to your treatment plan.
Short name
Urine Glucose Screen
Frequently asked questions
Will this test show if I have diabetes?
What does a positive result mean?
Can I drink alcohol 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