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Serum or plasma concentration of glucose (fasting or random)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood. Glucose levels help doctors assess how well your body is using energy from food.

Quick summary

["Glucose levels indicate how your body processes food for energy and can signal diabetes or other metabolic conditions."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
96472-6
Short code
GRAF IgG Ser Ql CBA IFA
Synonyms
GRAF IgG Ser Ql CBA IFA
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
cba-ifa
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 It’s Done

Your doctor may order this test to check for diabetes, monitor blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, or evaluate conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or metabolic disorders.

What to Expect

A small blood sample is taken from your arm. You may need to fast (not eat) for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s a fasting glucose check.

Normal vs. Abnormal Results

Results are not always given as a single range because they depend on whether the test was fasting or random. Your doctor will interpret results based on your symptoms and medical history.

Common Conditions Linked to Glucose Levels

High glucose levels may indicate diabetes or prediabetes, while very low levels could signal hypoglycemia or other health issues like liver or kidney disease.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Glucose testing is critical for diagnosing and managing diabetes, preventing complications like nerve damage or heart disease, and guiding treatment plans like medication or diet changes.

Short name

Blood Sugar (Glucose)

Frequently asked questions

What causes blood sugar to be too high?
High blood sugar can result from eating too much sugar or refined carbs, certain medications (like steroids), stress, illness, or undiagnosed diabetes. Lifestyle factors like physical inactivity also play a role.
What causes blood sugar to be too low?
Low blood sugar often occurs after taking diabetes medication (especially insulin) too much, skipping meals, or exercising intensely without eating. Certain foods (like alcohol) or hormonal imbalances can also trigger it.
How often should I get a glucose test?
Your doctor will determine how often you need testing based on your health status. People with diabetes typically check levels more frequently than those without, often every few months or annually.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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