Glucose, Plasma/Serum

Test Code

GLUC

Alias/See Also

Glucose random, Fasting Glucose

Preferred Specimen

1.0 mL plasma (0.5 mL minimum)

Transport Container

PST (light green top). Red top and SST also acceptable

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 8 hours, Refrigerated: 72 hours, Frozen: not established

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Grossly hemolyzed specimens are unacceptable.

Reference Range

Age	Female	Male
Adult (>18 years):	74 – 105 mg/dL	74 – 105 mg/dL
Pediatric:
0–1 day	36-89	36-110
1–7 days	47-110	47-110
8–30 days	54-117	54-117
1 month-18 years	70-110	70-110

Glucose, fasting	All patients:	65-99 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

The most common disease associated with abnormal carbohydrate metabolism is diabetes mellitus, with its accompanying high blood glucose levels. Other conditions which may also result in abnormal blood glucose levels include: disorders of the pituitary gland, hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s disease, traumatic injury, convulsive disorders, mental stress and pheochromocytoma. Acute and chronic infection, eclampsia, hypertension and severe liver disease may also exhibit transitory elevation of blood glucose level. On the other hand, hyperinsulinism from either exogenous insulin overdose or from lesions of the pancreas can result in low level of blood glucose.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.