Glucose, Serum (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood serum. Glucose is the primary energy source for your body’s cells.
["Your blood sugar levels help determine how your body uses energy and manage conditions like diabetes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50213-8
- Short code
- Glucose sp3 SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose sp3 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
Doctors may order this test to check for high or low blood sugar levels, monitor diabetes, evaluate symptoms like excessive thirst or fatigue, or assess conditions like hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. It can also be part of routine health checks or before certain treatments.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a fasting blood sugar panel. If you’re pregnant, have diabetes, or take certain medications, let your provider know beforehand.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using an enzymatic method to measure glucose concentration.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Interpretation depends on whether the test was done fasting or not, and your medical history. Your doctor will discuss these results 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.
Abnormally high glucose levels may indicate diabetes, poor insulin function, or other metabolic disorders. Low levels can signal hypoglycemia, infections, or certain medications. Regular monitoring helps prevent long-term complications like nerve damage or kidney issues.
Short name
Glucose Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes blood glucose levels to rise?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect test 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