Insulin, Serum or Plasma Concentration (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of insulin in your blood, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas.
["Insulin helps control how your body uses glucose (sugar) for energy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56788-3
- Short code
- Insulin 28h p chal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 28h 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 to monitor insulin levels during treatment for conditions such as diabetes or other metabolic disorders. It may also be used to evaluate insulin resistance or to diagnose or manage certain endocrine disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a glucose tolerance test or to ensure accurate results. Bring any medications you’re currently taking to your appointment.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is taken from a vein, typically in your arm, using a small needle. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to measure insulin concentration.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted based on your clinical context, symptoms, and other lab findings. Abnormally high or low insulin levels may indicate underlying health issues that require further evaluation by your healthcare provider.
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 suggest insulin resistance, pancreatic tumors, or other endocrine disorders. Low insulin levels can indicate diabetes, hypoglycemia, or pancreatic dysfunction. Regular monitoring helps manage conditions like diabetes and ensures proper treatment adherence.
Short name
Insulin Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes insulin levels to be tested?
How long does it take to get results?
Can lifestyle changes affect insulin test results?
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