Insulin concentration (serum/plasma)
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
- 12761-3
- Short code
- Insulin 8M p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 8M 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 an insulin test to check for conditions like diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or to monitor how well your body is producing insulin. It can also be used to diagnose or evaluate other metabolic or endocrine disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8 hours before the test if it’s part of a glucose tolerance test. Bring any medications you’re currently taking to your appointment.
How the Test Is Done
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight prick or pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause much discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for testing.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine if your insulin levels are too high or too low, which can indicate underlying health issues. Your doctor will compare your results to your medical history and other test results to make a diagnosis.
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: Insulin levels are critical for diagnosing and managing diabetes, insulin resistance, and hypoglycemia. Abnormally high or low insulin can signal metabolic disorders, endocrine problems, or other systemic conditions requiring medical attention.
Short name
Insulin Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes insulin levels to be tested?
How long does it take to get the results?
Can I eat or drink before 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