Serum/plasma mass concentration of insulin
This test measures the amount of insulin in your blood, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas.
["Insulin levels help doctors assess how your body manages blood sugar and check for diabetes or other metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47753-9
- Short code
- GH 1.5h p Ins IV SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- GH 1.5h p Ins IV SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 this test to diagnose or monitor conditions like diabetes, insulin resistance, or to check for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). It may also be used during pregnancy to evaluate gestational diabetes or to assess how well medications are working.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a glucose tolerance or fasting insulin study. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure insulin concentration. The test may be done on serum or plasma, depending on the clinical context.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted based on your overall health, symptoms, and medical history. High insulin levels may indicate insulin resistance or other metabolic disorders, while very low levels could suggest diabetes or other endocrine issues.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Insulin levels play a critical role in blood sugar regulation. Abnormal results may signal diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic conditions that require medical attention, such as monitoring for hypoglycemia or evaluating treatment effectiveness.
Short name
Insulin level
Frequently asked questions
What causes insulin levels to be too high?
What happens if my insulin level is low?
Do I need to fast for 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