Serum Insulin with 24-Hour Collection (Quantitative)
This test measures your insulin levels over a full day to help assess how your body regulates blood sugar. It’s often used to evaluate conditions like diabetes or insulin sensitivity.
["This test helps doctors understand how your body responds to insulin throughout the day."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40290-9
- Short code
- Insulin 1.5h p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 1.5h p chal SerPl-sCnc
- 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 Is Done
A 24-hour insulin test is typically ordered if you have symptoms of diabetes, insulin resistance, or unexplained blood sugar fluctuations. It may also be used to monitor treatment effectiveness in people with known metabolic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect blood samples every few hours for 24 hours. Your healthcare provider will guide you on proper timing, diet restrictions (like avoiding certain foods), and how to safely draw blood at home or in a clinic.
How the Test Works
Blood samples are taken from a vein (usually in your arm) at scheduled intervals. Each sample is analyzed to measure insulin concentration. The results are compared to your body’s natural insulin production patterns over time.
What the Results Mean
Results show how your insulin levels vary throughout the day. Abnormally high or low levels may indicate diabetes, hormonal imbalances, or other metabolic issues. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your overall health.
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.
Clinical Significance: Insulin Levels Over Time
Short name
24-Hour Insulin Profile
Frequently asked questions
How often do I need to fast before this test?
Can I take my usual medications on the day of the test?
What if I miss a blood draw during the 24-hour period?
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