Serum Capillary Blood Glucose (Fingerstick)
This test measures your blood sugar level from a small sample taken from your fingertip, often used to monitor blood glucose levels quickly.
["Quick check of your blood sugar for diabetes management or monitoring."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 103511-2
- Short code
- XR port Scapula-R 1V
- Synonyms
- XR port Scapula-R 1V
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- xr-portable
- 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
Doctors may order this test to check your blood sugar levels in real-time, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it. It can also be used during pregnancy, before or after meals, or during illness to assess how your body is handling glucose.
How the Test Works
A small drop of blood is collected from your fingertip using a sterile lancet. The blood is then analyzed on-site using a portable glucose meter or in a lab setting with specialized equipment to determine your current blood sugar concentration.
What to Expect Before the Test
You can eat and drink normally before this test. However, if you are scheduled for a more comprehensive glucose test (like an oral glucose tolerance test), you may need to follow specific dietary instructions beforehand.
What to Expect During the Test
The test is quick and painless. You will feel a slight pinch as the blood is collected, but it usually takes only a few seconds. The blood sample is then processed immediately to provide results on the spot or sent to a lab for analysis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High blood sugar levels can indicate diabetes or other metabolic conditions. Repeatedly low blood sugar levels may require medical attention to prevent complications such as fainting, seizures, or long-term damage to organs. Regular monitoring helps manage these conditions effectively.
Short name
Fingerstick Blood Glucose
Frequently asked questions
How often should I have this test?
What do my results mean?
Can I eat or drink before this 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