C-peptide (Serum/Plasma, Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of C-peptide, a natural byproduct produced when your body processes insulin. It helps assess how well your pancreas is producing insulin.
["C-peptide helps evaluate insulin production and diabetes management."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56582-0
- Short code
- C peptide 10M p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- C peptide 10M p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 is this test done?
Your doctor may order a C-peptide test to check if your pancreas is making enough insulin, especially if you have diabetes or symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or high blood sugar levels. It can also help determine whether insulin is the cause of symptoms or if another issue is present.
How is the test performed?
A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab where it is processed to measure C-peptide levels. No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test.
What does the test result mean?
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your medical history and symptoms. High or low levels may indicate problems with insulin production or diabetes. There is no single reference range provided here as values can vary based on individual health and testing context.
What are the common reasons for testing?
Common reasons include diagnosing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, assessing insulin resistance, evaluating pancreatic function, and monitoring treatment for diabetes or other endocrine conditions.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
C-peptide level
Frequently asked questions
What does a high C-peptide level mean?
What does a low C-peptide level mean?
Can diet or fasting affect C-peptide levels?
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