Insulin, Serum (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of insulin in your blood, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
["Insulin helps control how your body uses sugar for energy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30256-2
- Short code
- Insulin 1.3h p chal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 1.3h p chal SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 2.6
- Ref high
- 24.9
- Fasting
- false
- 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 healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions like diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or insulin resistance. It could also be used to monitor treatment for conditions affecting insulin production or function, such as pancreatic issues or certain endocrine disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for 8–12 hours before the test if fasting is required for accuracy. Bring any medications you’re currently taking to your appointment.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, using a small needle. You may feel a slight sting, but it usually doesn’t cause pain. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to detect insulin levels.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your medical history and symptoms. Abnormally high or low insulin levels may signal underlying health concerns that need further evaluation.
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.
High insulin levels may indicate insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, or other metabolic disorders. Low insulin levels could suggest hypoglycemia, pancreatic insufficiency, or certain endocrine disorders. Always discuss results with your doctor to understand their specific relevance to your health.
Short name
Serum Insulin Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes insulin levels to be tested?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider will contact you once they’re ready to review them with you.
What if my insulin levels are out of range?
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