Insulin, Serum or Plasma Concentration (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of insulin in your blood, which helps your body use sugar (glucose) for energy. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas.
["Insulin levels help diagnose diabetes, check blood sugar control, or evaluate insulin production issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12762-1
- Short code
- Insulin 15M p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 15M p chal SerPl-mCnc
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to check for diabetes or prediabetes, monitor blood sugar levels, or assess conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or insulin resistance. It may also be used in research or specialized clinical settings to study hormone function.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast (not eat) for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a glucose tolerance test. Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you take, as they could affect results.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm, using a small needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to measure insulin concentration.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported as a mass concentration (in units like micrograms per liter). While reference ranges vary by lab, abnormal results may indicate diabetes, insulin deficiency, or other metabolic disorders. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
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
Short name
Insulin Level
Frequently asked questions
What Does an Abnormal Result Indicate?
How Often Should I Get This Test?
Can Diet or Medications Affect This Test?
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