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NPH Insulin (Intermediate-Acting) — Dose

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test concerns NPH insulin, an intermediate-acting insulin. It may record the prescribed dose or measure NPH insulin in blood, depending on the reporting system.

Quick summary

["The result is used with blood glucose and meal information to help assess diabetes treatment."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
4286-1
Short code
Insulin NPH Dose
Synonyms
Insulin NPH Dose
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?

NPH insulin is a human insulin that starts working relatively slowly and generally provides glucose-lowering coverage for part of the day and night. The term “dose” may refer to the amount prescribed or administered; in some reporting systems, it may instead represent a blood measurement of NPH insulin.

Why might I need this test?

Your clinician may use this information to review your diabetes treatment and interpret blood glucose results. A dose record helps confirm how much insulin you are taking, while a measured insulin level can show the amount circulating in your blood at the time of testing.

How is the test performed?

If the report is a dose record, the information is obtained from your medication order or diabetes log. If it is a blood test, a sample is collected by venipuncture and analyzed with a laboratory method designed to measure insulin.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the timing instructions provided by your clinician, because insulin values depend greatly on when the sample is drawn relative to an injection and meals. Do not change your insulin dose unless your clinician directs you to do so.

Reference range

Fasting: 2.6-24.9 μIU/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

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

NPH insulin dose

Frequently asked questions

What is NPH insulin?
NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin that usually provides blood-glucose control for roughly half a day, though individual timing varies.
Does this result tell me my blood glucose level?
No. A blood glucose test is needed to measure your current glucose; an NPH insulin result describes the dose or insulin amount associated with your treatment.
Why does the timing of the result matter?
NPH insulin levels change after an injection and are influenced by meals and activity. A result is most useful when the laboratory or clinician knows when the dose and blood sample were obtained.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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