Insulin, Mass Concentration in Serum/Plasma
This test measures the amount of insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas, in your blood. It helps assess how well your body regulates blood sugar.
["Insulin helps control blood sugar levels and supports energy production."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47654-9
- Short code
- Insulin 10M p Glc SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 10M p Glc SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 2.6
- Ref high
- 24.9
- Fasting
- true
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83525
- SNOMED
- 413618004
- 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like extreme hunger, fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or signs of high or low blood sugar. It’s also used to diagnose or monitor conditions such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, or insulin-producing tumors.
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 metabolic study. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, by a healthcare professional. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using a specialized immunoassay method to measure insulin concentration.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted based on your overall health, symptoms, and medical history. Elevated levels may suggest insulin resistance, tumors, or other metabolic disorders, while very low levels could indicate diabetes or other hormonal imbalances.
Reference range
Fasting: 2.6-24.9 μIU/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Insulin levels are critical for diagnosing conditions like type 1 or type 2 diabetes, hypoglycemia, or pancreatic disorders. Abnormal results may prompt further testing, such as glucose monitoring or additional hormone evaluations.
Short name
Insulin Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
What are common causes of abnormal insulin 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