Insulin, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of insulin in a blood sample, helping assess how well the body regulates blood glucose.
["An insulin blood test can help evaluate glucose regulation and the cause of low or high blood sugar."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110676-4
- Short code
- Insulin Msmt SerPl
- Synonyms
- Insulin Msmt SerPl
- 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
What is this test?
This test measures insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas that helps cells take up glucose for energy. The sample may be tested as serum or plasma, which are related blood fractions.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test when evaluating unexplained low or high blood glucose, symptoms of excess or insufficient insulin, or possible problems with pancreatic function. It may also be used to assess treatment for diabetes.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein and sent to a laboratory. The laboratory measures the concentration of insulin in the serum or plasma portion of the sample.
How do I prepare for the test?
Preparation depends on your symptoms and the reason your clinician ordered the test. Fasting or testing at a specific time may be required, so follow your clinician's instructions and tell the laboratory if you have recently eaten, injected insulin, or taken diabetes medicines.
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.
An insulin level that is higher than expected may occur with insulin resistance, reduced insulin needs, or certain medical conditions. A lower-than-expected level may occur with impaired pancreatic insulin production or when injected insulin is still active in the blood. Results must be interpreted alongside the blood glucose level, symptoms, medications, and the timing of the blood draw.
Short name
Insulin
Frequently asked questions
Is the insulin test the same as a glucose test?
Does this test diagnose diabetes?
Why does the timing of the blood draw matter?
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