Glucose, Insulin, and C-peptide levels measured in a triple bolus (oral glucose tolerance test) using serum/plasma
This test evaluates how your body processes glucose (sugar) and hormones like insulin and C-peptide after consuming a specific dose of sugar. It helps check for diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic conditions.
["Assesses blood sugar and hormone responses to help diagnose or monitor diabetes and metabolic health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40339-4
- Short code
- GH 2h p Triple Bolus SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH 2h p Triple Bolus SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- 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
What Is an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)?
An OGTT, also called a triple bolus test, measures your body’s response to glucose over time. You’ll drink a sugary solution, and blood samples are taken at set intervals to check glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels. This helps doctors assess how well your pancreas produces insulin and how your body uses glucose.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms of diabetes (like frequent urination, extreme thirst, or fatigue), a family history of diabetes, or if you’re pregnant (gestational diabetes). It’s also used to monitor conditions like prediabetes or insulin resistance.
How Is the Test Performed?
You’ll fast for 8–12 hours before the test. On test day, you’ll drink a sugary liquid, and blood samples will be drawn at 30-minute intervals for 2–3 hours. The test is quick but requires careful timing to ensure accurate results.
What Do the Results Mean?
Results show how your blood sugar and hormone levels change after eating. Abnormal patterns may indicate diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic issues. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your overall health.
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.
Clinical Significance: This test is critical for diagnosing diabetes (including gestational diabetes) and evaluating insulin function. Abnormal glucose or hormone levels may signal conditions requiring lifestyle changes, medication, or further testing.
Short name
OGTT (Triple Bolus)
Frequently asked questions
How long does the test take?
What should I do before the test?
Will I need to take any special steps afterward?
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