Glucose in Urine (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) present in your urine, often checked to detect or monitor conditions like diabetes.
["Urine glucose testing helps identify high blood sugar levels that may not be detected by blood tests alone."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35212-0
- Short code
- Glucose Ur-msCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose Ur-msCnc
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for signs of diabetes, kidney function, or other metabolic issues. It can also help monitor blood sugar levels in people with diabetes who are managing their condition through diet, exercise, or medication.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result (glucose detected in urine) may indicate high blood sugar levels, which can happen with diabetes or other conditions like kidney problems. However, glucose in urine alone isn’t always definitive—your blood sugar levels should also be checked.
How Is This Test Performed?
You’ll likely provide a urine sample in a clean container, either at a lab or at home using a dipstick test. The sample is then analyzed to detect glucose presence.
What Are Common Causes of Glucose in Urine?
Glucose in urine can occur due to high blood sugar levels (common in diabetes), kidney issues that filter glucose improperly, or certain medications. Stress, illness, or dehydration may also temporarily raise urine glucose levels.
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.
Clinical Significance: Glucose in urine is often an indirect marker of uncontrolled blood sugar. While it can signal diabetes or kidney problems, it’s not the sole indicator. Persistent glucose in urine should prompt further evaluation, including blood glucose monitoring and discussions with your healthcare provider to adjust treatment plans.
Short name
Urine Glucose
Frequently asked questions
Why might my urine glucose test come back positive when my blood sugar seems normal?
Can I prevent glucose from appearing in my urine?
Does this test replace blood glucose monitoring?
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