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Glucose in Plasma (24-hour urinary collection)

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

This test measures the total amount of glucose (sugar) excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period.

Quick summary

["Assesses how much sugar your body removes through urine, useful for monitoring diabetes management."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
14549-0
Short code
MuV Ag Nose Ql IF
Synonyms
MuV Ag Nose Ql IF
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
if
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 doctor may order this test if they suspect you have diabetes or are managing diabetes poorly. It helps determine how well your kidneys are filtering glucose and whether your blood sugar levels are consistently high.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, starting after you wake up. Store the urine in a refrigerator and bring the entire sample to the lab. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

What Happens During the Test

No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine over 24 hours. The lab analyzes the sample to measure total glucose content.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-expected results may indicate diabetes or poor control of blood sugar. Lower-than-expected results could suggest kidney issues or other metabolic conditions. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

24-Hour Urinary Glucose

Frequently asked questions

How does urinary glucose testing differ from blood glucose monitoring?
Why might my doctor ask for a 24-hour urine collection instead of a blood test?
A 24-hour urine collection provides a broader picture of your average glucose levels over time, which can help detect patterns of high blood sugar that might not be captured by a single blood test. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing or monitoring conditions like diabetes.
What if my urine test shows high glucose levels?
High urinary glucose can signal diabetes or poor diabetes management. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, or further testing to understand and address the cause. Always follow their guidance.
Yes, you can drink fluids as usual, but avoid excessive sugar intake during the collection period. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions to ensure accurate results.
  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