Insulin, 24-Hour Urinary Excretion (Total)
This test measures the total amount of insulin naturally produced and excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess how well your body regulates insulin levels.
["This test helps evaluate insulin production and urinary excretion, useful in diagnosing or monitoring conditions like insulinoma or insulin resistance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29378-7
- Short code
- Insulin 4h p chal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 4h 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 doctor may order this test if they suspect an insulin-secreting tumor (such as an insulinoma), insulin resistance, or other metabolic conditions affecting insulin levels. It can also be part of a broader evaluation for unexplained hypoglycemia or diabetes-related issues.
How the Test Is Taken
You’ll collect all urine for a full 24-hour period in a special container. Typically, you’ll start the collection after urinating at the beginning of the day and continue until you urinate again the following morning. The sample is then sent to the lab for analysis.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to keep a food and activity diary to track insulin levels. Avoid taking insulin medications or certain supplements (like chromium or magnesium) that could affect results 24 hours before testing.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll need to collect urine continuously for 24 hours, which may require reminders or a urine collection kit. If you forget to start or stop the collection, your results may not be accurate.
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.
Elevated levels may indicate an insulinoma or other hyperinsulinemic conditions, while abnormal results could also suggest insulin resistance or other metabolic disorders. This test helps doctors diagnose or monitor conditions affecting insulin metabolism and excretion.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Insulin
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get the results?
What does a high or low result mean?
Can I eat or drink normally while collecting urine for 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