Postprandial Insulin, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
Measures insulin in blood after a meal to help evaluate how the body responds to glucose and produces insulin.
["Post-meal insulin helps assess insulin production and the body's response to rising blood glucose."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47862-8
- Short code
- Insulin p meal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin p meal SerPl-aCnc
- 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 the amount of insulin in serum or plasma after a meal. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose enter cells for energy and helps keep blood glucose under control.
Why might I need this test?
A post-meal insulin test may be used to evaluate insulin production, insulin resistance, or how the body handles blood glucose. It is often interpreted with a glucose test and other diabetes assessments.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected after you eat a meal, and the laboratory measures the insulin concentration in the serum or plasma sample. Your clinician may also check your glucose at the same time.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about the meal and the timing of the blood draw exactly. If you are also having a glucose test, ask whether you should fast or remain at the testing location after eating.
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.
Post-meal insulin values vary according to the size and composition of the meal, the time of the blood draw, and individual factors. Results should therefore be interpreted by your clinician alongside glucose levels and your medical history.
Higher-than-expected insulin with elevated glucose may be associated with insulin resistance or impaired glucose tolerance. Lower-than-expected insulin may suggest insufficient insulin production, and interpretation can vary depending on the clinical situation.
Short name
Post-meal insulin
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a routine insulin test?
Why is my blood glucose checked at the same time?
Do I need to fast 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