Insulin, Serum Concentration (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of insulin in your blood serum. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
["Insulin helps control how your body uses glucose for energy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111329-9
- Short code
- Insulin Ab Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- Insulin Ab Msmt Ser
- 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 recommend this test if you have symptoms like extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, frequent urination, or fatigue. It could also be used to diagnose or monitor conditions such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, or other metabolic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you might be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a glucose tolerance or fasting study. Bring any medications you’re currently taking.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm, using a needle. The blood is collected in a tube and sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted based on your clinical context, symptoms, and other lab tests. Abnormally high or low insulin levels may signal underlying health concerns that require further evaluation.
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
Short name
Insulin Level
Frequently asked questions
High insulin levels may indicate conditions like insulin resistance, pancreatic tumors, or certain endocrine disorders. Low insulin levels could suggest diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, or severe hypoglycemia.
An abnormal result may prompt additional testing, such as glucose tolerance tests or further imaging, to determine the cause. Your doctor will discuss findings in relation to your symptoms and medical history.
Yes, fasting before testing helps standardize results. Avoiding high-sugar foods or heavy meals for several hours before the test can improve accuracy.
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