Serum/plasma concentration of glucose (24-hour urinary collection)
This test measures how much glucose (sugar) appears in your urine over a full day. It helps assess how well your body is handling sugar metabolism, especially in conditions like diabetes.
["Helps track blood sugar control in chronic conditions like diabetes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73551-4
- Short code
- Acarbose ind plt IgG SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- Acarbose ind plt IgG 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 if you have diabetes or are at risk for it. It can also help monitor how well your diabetes treatment plan is working or check for conditions like kidney problems that might affect sugar levels in urine.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting after midnight one day and ending the same time the next day. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
How the Test Works
Urine is collected in a container, and the glucose content is measured using a specialized laboratory method. The test looks for glucose that normally shouldn’t appear in urine, indicating how your body processes sugar.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-expected glucose in urine may signal poor blood sugar control, kidney issues, or other metabolic problems. Your results will be compared to your clinical picture and other tests to determine significance.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated urinary glucose can indicate uncontrolled diabetes, kidney dysfunction, or conditions like gestational diabetes. It’s not a standalone test but often used alongside blood glucose measurements to guide treatment decisions.
Short name
24-Hour Urinary Glucose
Frequently asked questions
How is this test different from a regular blood glucose test?
Can I drink water before or during the 24-hour urine collection?
What if I miss any urine during the collection period?
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