Serum Insulin Concentration (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of insulin in your blood serum, a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
["Insulin levels help assess your body’s ability to manage glucose and identify potential diabetes or metabolic issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55390-9
- Short code
- Insulin 6h p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 6h p chal SerPl-sCnc
- 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, insulin resistance, or other conditions affecting blood sugar control, such as hypoglycemia or pancreatic disorders. It can also be used to monitor treatment progress for conditions like prediabetes or type 1 or 2 diabetes.
Your blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, and sent to a lab for analysis. Serum (the liquid part after clotting) is used for this test.
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a glucose tolerance or fasting profile.
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your overall health, symptoms, and test context. Abnormal levels may signal diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic conditions.
High insulin levels might indicate insulin resistance, pancreatic tumors, or other endocrine disorders. Low levels could suggest diabetes, starvation, or certain medications affecting insulin production.
Factors like diet, stress, medications (e.g., steroids, diabetes drugs), or underlying conditions (e.g., pancreatitis, liver disease) can influence insulin levels. Your doctor will review these factors with your results.
This test is often part of a broader evaluation for blood sugar management, especially if you have symptoms like excessive thirst, fatigue, or unexplained weight changes.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
What if I Have Diabetes and My Insulin Level Is High?
If fasting is required (e.g., for a fasting insulin test), avoid food or drink except water for 8–12 hours beforehand. Ask your doctor or lab for exact instructions.
How Often Should I Get 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