Insulin, Serum/Plasma — Substance Concentration
Measures the amount of insulin in a blood sample to help evaluate blood sugar regulation, insulin resistance, and hypoglycemia.
["This blood test helps show how much insulin your body is producing and how it relates to your blood sugar."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14796-7
- Short code
- Insulin SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin SerPl-sCnc
- 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 concentration of insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order it to investigate unexplained low blood sugar, evaluate insulin resistance or diabetes, or monitor insulin production and treatment. It is often interpreted alongside a glucose test and other laboratory results.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected from a vein and sent to a laboratory, where insulin is measured using a laboratory method such as an immunoassay. The sample may be serum or plasma, depending on the test used.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about fasting and medication timing. The test may be performed while fasting or at a specified time, especially when insulin and glucose are being assessed together.
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 unexpectedly high insulin level may occur with insulin resistance or when insulin production is increased in response to elevated blood sugar. A low insulin level with low blood sugar may suggest inadequate insulin production. Results vary with blood sugar, recent meals, medications, and the timing of the sample, so they must be interpreted by a clinician.
Short name
Insulin Blood Test
Frequently asked questions
Is a fasting blood test required for insulin?
Does an insulin blood test diagnose diabetes?
Why is my insulin result interpreted with other tests?
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