Serum Insulin with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Measurement
This test measures the amount of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, in your blood. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels.
["Insulin helps control how your body uses sugar for energy and stores sugar for later use."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27826-7
- Short code
- Insulin 2h p chal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 2h 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 treatment effectiveness for conditions affecting insulin production or function.
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 or metabolic study. Bring any medications you’re currently taking to your appointment.
During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a small pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis using HPLC to measure insulin levels precisely.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine whether your insulin levels are too high, too low, or within a normal range. Abnormal results may prompt further testing or adjustments to your treatment plan.
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 might indicate conditions like insulinoma (a rare tumor producing excess insulin), Cushing’s syndrome, or certain types of diabetes. Low insulin levels could signal hypoglycemia, pancreatic issues, or other metabolic disorders. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider for personalized interpretation.
Short name
Insulin (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
What causes insulin levels to be tested?
How long does it take to get results?
Can fasting 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