Glucose in Plasma (24-Hour Urine Collection)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) that appears in your urine over a 24-hour period, reflecting how much your body is processing sugar from food.
["Understanding your urine glucose levels helps assess how well your body manages blood sugar."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73358-4
- Short code
- glyBURIDE ind plt IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- glyBURIDE ind plt IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 82784
- 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
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions like diabetes, kidney function, or how well medications (such as glyburide) are working to control blood sugar. It can also help detect hidden sugar in urine, which may indicate poor glucose control.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, starting after midnight and ending the next midnight. Drink plenty of water to help flush out glucose. Avoid sugary drinks or foods unless instructed otherwise.
How the Test Is Performed
Urine is collected in a container over the 24-hour period. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using a specialized method to measure glucose concentration.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Results are typically reported as the total amount of glucose excreted in urine (in mg or grams). High levels may suggest diabetes or other metabolic issues, while normal levels indicate proper glucose metabolism.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Glucose in urine can signal diabetes if present in significant amounts, as the kidneys struggle to filter out excess sugar. It may also reflect poorly controlled blood sugar from diabetes or other conditions like kidney disease. Regular monitoring helps manage these conditions effectively.
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
How does this test differ from a blood glucose test?
Avoid sugary drinks like coffee or tea with added sweeteners. Stick to plain water unless your provider specifies otherwise to ensure accurate 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