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Insulin, 24-Hour Urinary Collection (Total)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the total amount of insulin found in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess how much insulin your body naturally produces and excretes.

Quick summary

["This test helps evaluate insulin metabolism and may be used in diagnosing or monitoring conditions like diabetes or insulinoma."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
30254-7
Short code
Insulin 15M p chal SerPl-aCnc
Synonyms
Insulin 15M 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 Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of abnormal insulin levels, such as unexplained weight changes, frequent urination, or signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It may also be used to monitor conditions like diabetes or to investigate rare disorders affecting insulin production.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, starting after you wake up in the morning and ending just after you wake up the next morning. Store the urine in a refrigerator or cool container to keep it fresh. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

How the Test Is Performed

The test involves collecting all urine produced over 24 hours. The urine is then sent to a lab for analysis. The lab measures the total insulin content in the urine sample.

Possible Risks and Considerations

There are no significant risks associated with this test. However, it requires careful collection to avoid missing any urine or contaminating the sample. If you have kidney problems, your provider may need to adjust how the test is interpreted.

Reference range

Fasting: 2.6-24.9 μIU/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

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.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

What Does This Test Tell Us?
Elevated insulin levels in urine may indicate conditions such as insulinoma (a tumor producing excess insulin) or certain types of diabetes. Very low levels could suggest insulin resistance or other metabolic disorders. This test can help diagnose or monitor these conditions by showing how much insulin your body naturally excretes.
How Often Should This Test Be Done?
The frequency depends on your medical condition and treatment plan. Your healthcare provider will determine how often this test should be repeated based on your individual needs, such as whether you have diabetes, a suspected insulin-secreting tumor, or other related health concerns.
What Are the Normal Results?
There are no standard reference ranges provided for this test because results vary widely based on individual metabolism, diet, and health status. Your results will be compared to your own baseline or clinical context rather than a fixed range.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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