Insulin concentration (serum/plasma)
This test measures the amount of insulin in your blood, which helps assess how your body produces and uses insulin for energy.
["Insulin levels help diagnose or monitor diabetes and other metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 10495-0
- Short code
- Insulin Ag Tiss Ql ImStn
- Synonyms
- Insulin Ag Tiss Ql ImStn
- 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
- Method
- immune-stain
- 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 to check for diabetes, insulin resistance, or other hormonal imbalances. It can also help evaluate how your body responds to insulin treatments or diagnose conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
What to Expect Before the 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-insulin profile. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to measure insulin levels accurately.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Results are compared to general reference ranges, but your doctor will interpret them in the context of your health history and symptoms. Abnormal results may trigger further testing, such as glucose tolerance tests.
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.
Low insulin levels may indicate diabetes, pancreatic issues, or other endocrine disorders. High insulin levels can suggest insulin resistance, tumors, or reactive hypoglycemia. Your doctor will use these results alongside other tests to guide diagnosis and treatment.
Short name
Serum/plasma insulin
Frequently asked questions
What does a low insulin level mean?
What does a high insulin level mean?
Can diet or 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