Glucose in Plasma (24-Hour Profile)
This test measures your blood glucose levels over a 24-hour period to help assess how your body manages sugar (glucose) throughout the day, including during fasting and after meals.
["Understanding your glucose control helps diagnose diabetes or other metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 41898-8
- Short code
- Model Cd Glucose Mtr Dev
- Synonyms
- Model Cd Glucose Mtr Dev
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 70
- Ref high
- 100
- Critical range
- 50 N/A – 400 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82947
- SNOMED
- 260395008
- 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 if you have symptoms of diabetes (like frequent urination, extreme thirst, or unexplained weight changes), if you have a family history of diabetes, or if you’re at risk due to other health conditions (such as obesity or high blood pressure). It may also be used to monitor glucose levels in people with known diabetes to check how well their treatment is working.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 8 to 12 hours before the test. Blood samples will be collected at multiple times during the day, including before meals and after eating. Your provider will give you specific instructions to follow.
How the Test Works
Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm at set intervals. The samples are tested for glucose levels using a method that detects the presence and concentration of glucose in your plasma.
What the Results Mean
The results show your glucose levels at different times of the day. High or low readings at any point may indicate problems with how your body regulates blood sugar, which can affect your overall health.
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.
Abnormally high or low glucose levels over 24 hours can signal diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic disorders. This test helps doctors diagnose diabetes, assess treatment effectiveness, or identify hidden glucose issues that might not show up in a single blood test. It’s also useful for monitoring long-term glucose trends in people with diabetes.
Short name
24-Hour Plasma Glucose Profile
Frequently asked questions
What does a 24-hour glucose test tell me about my health?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before the test?
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