Insulin, Serum/Plasma — Qualitative
A blood test that evaluates insulin in serum or plasma using a qualitative reporting method. It is often interpreted with a glucose test and the patient's symptoms.
["This test evaluates whether insulin is present or detectable in a blood sample and is most useful when considered with glucose results."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44396-0
- Short code
- Insulin SerPl Ql
- Synonyms
- Insulin SerPl Ql
- 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?
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose. This test evaluates insulin in serum or plasma, the liquid portion of a blood sample.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test when investigating unusually high or low blood glucose, symptoms of low blood sugar, or possible problems with insulin production or insulin resistance. It is usually interpreted together with a glucose test.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and sent to a laboratory, where the insulin in the serum or plasma is evaluated and reported using a qualitative method. The exact laboratory procedure is not specified by the test abbreviation.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about fasting and medication timing. Insulin and glucose can change after eating, so the collection time and any recent meals may need to be reported to the laboratory.
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 abnormal result may reflect a temporary change after eating, stress, illness, or medication use, so it should be interpreted with glucose results and clinical symptoms. Persistently low insulin may suggest insufficient insulin production, while high insulin can occur with insulin resistance, obesity, or other metabolic conditions. Your healthcare professional will explain what the qualitative result means in your specific situation.
Short name
Insulin (Qualitative)
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as an insulin resistance test?
Why is my insulin test qualitative?
Why are insulin and glucose tested together?
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