Glucose in Urine (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) present in your urine. It’s often used to check for conditions like diabetes or kidney issues.
["A urine glucose test helps detect high blood sugar levels that may not be caught by other tests alone."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5792-7
- Short code
- Glucose Ur Strip-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose 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
Your body normally filters glucose from your blood through your kidneys. If your blood sugar is consistently high (common in diabetes), your kidneys may not filter it out efficiently, causing glucose to appear in urine. This test helps monitor blood sugar control and identify potential kidney problems.
How the Test Works
The test uses a chemical strip that changes color when glucose is present. The color change is measured and converted into a quantitative value, though results are often reported qualitatively (positive/negative) rather than numerically.
When You Might Need This Test
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight loss. It’s also used during pregnancy (gestational diabetes screening) or to monitor diabetes management.
Preparation and Collection
No special preparation is needed, but collect a fresh mid-stream urine sample in a clean container. Avoid using sanitizers or strong perfumes that could interfere with results.
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 in urine) can indicate uncontrolled diabetes, kidney dysfunction, or other metabolic disorders. While glucose in urine isn’t always a direct indicator of diabetes, it’s a useful marker for monitoring blood sugar levels and overall health.
Short name
Urine Glucose Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive urine glucose test mean?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
How long does it take to get 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