Sign in →

Test Code 62872037 Glucose 2 Hour PP

Performing Laboratory

Torrance Memorial Laboratories

Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Hospital Preferred Specimen Type: Plasma

Container/Tube: Lithium heparin gel

 

Outreach Preferred Specimen Type: Serum

Container/Tube: Serum gel

 

Spin Instructions:

Serum gel:  Allow to sit for 30 minutes prior to spinning.  Spin within 2 hours of collection.

Heparin plasma: Spin within 45 minutes of collection.

Protocol Instructions

Patient instructions:

  1. Eat a meal that closely reflects your usual dietary intake – see additional information below
  2. Note the time the meal began
  3. Finish the meal within 15-20 minutes
  4. Arrive at lab location 15-30 minutes prior to time blood should be drawn

Lab instructions:

  1. Note time meal began
  2. Draw sample 2 hours after the start of the meal.

*** Additional information for patients regarding meal composition/general guidelines for a meal before a postprandial glucose test:***

Meal Composition

  • Meals should contain carbohydrates, ideally representing your normal intake.
  • Example Meals: rice‑based dishes, sandwiches, or chicken‑salads.
  • Breakfast Example: Whole-grain toast with scrambled eggs and a small serving of berries.
  • Lunch Example: A lean protein (chicken or fish) with brown rice and steamed vegetables. 

General guidelines for a meal before a postprandial glucose test:

  • Focus on Complex Carbohydrates and Fiber: Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts to help stabilize blood sugar levels.
  • Include Lean Protein: Eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, or nuts can help moderate glucose response.
  • Limit Sugary and Processed Foods: Avoid refined grains, sugary snacks, drinks, and excessive amounts of fruit juice or coffee with creamers, as these can cause sudden spikes in blood sugar.
  • Don't Forget Healthy Fats: Foods like avocado or olive oil can be beneficial. 

Meal Duration

  • You should finish the meal within 15–20 minutes for consistency in testing conditions

Q: When to Measure

A: The blood draw should occur 2 hours after the start of the meal.

 

Q:  Which meal?        

A:  Breakfast or lunch—any typical meal acceptable

 

Q:  Meal completion time?   

A:  Complete within 15–20 minutes

 

Q:  What to include?

A:  Regular meal with carbohydrates—protein/fiber help blunt spikes

 

Q:  Calories specified?           

A:  No specific calorie target - focus is on usual carb intake and composition

 

Q:  When to test?      

A:  Exactly 2 hours after you start the meal

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

 

Storage Temp Stability: Plasma

Room Temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated Temperature: 48 hours
 

Storage Temp Stability: Serum

Room Temperature: 12 hours
Refrigerated Temperature: 72 hours

Methodology

Spectrophotometry

Reference Range

< 140 mg/dL

 

Interpretive guidelines:  Glucose 2Hr Post Prandial

Prediabetes:  140-199 mg/dL

Diabetes:  ≥ 200 mg/dL

Day(s) Test Set Up/TAT

Outpatient:

Performed Monday through Friday only.  

 

Inpatient: 

Contact lab

 

TAT:

Results available same day.

Aliases

Glucose 2 Hr Post Prandial

CPT Code

82947