Glucose in Urine (Qualitative, 24-Hour Collection)
This test checks whether glucose (sugar) appears in your urine over a 24-hour period, often used to monitor conditions like diabetes.
["A positive result may indicate uncontrolled blood sugar levels or kidney issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16912-8
- Short code
- Glucose sp9 p chal Ur Ql
- Synonyms
- Glucose sp9 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 Is Done
Doctors may order this test to evaluate blood sugar control in people with diabetes, assess kidney function, or detect signs of metabolic disorders. It’s also sometimes used in pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all urine for a full 24 hours, typically starting after midnight the day before the test. Store the sample in a clean container and keep it refrigerated until you deliver it to the lab. Drink plenty of fluids to help urine flow normally.
How the Test Works
Your urine is tested for the presence of glucose using a chemical reaction that changes color if sugar is detected. This method is quick and doesn’t require lab equipment for immediate results.
Interpreting Your Results
A positive result means glucose was found in your urine. A negative result means no sugar was detected. Since this is a qualitative test, it doesn’t provide exact amounts, only whether sugar was present.
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.
Glucose in urine can signal diabetes (especially uncontrolled blood sugar), kidney problems, or conditions like Cushing’s syndrome. Persistent positive results may prompt further testing, such as blood glucose monitoring or a hemoglobin A1c test.
Short name
Urine Glucose Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive urine glucose test mean?
Can I drink water before this test?
How often is this test repeated?
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