Insulin, Serum/Plasma — 10-Minute Post-Challenge Concentration
Measures insulin in serum or plasma 10 minutes after a challenge to assess pancreatic insulin secretion. It is usually interpreted with the challenge glucose level and other clinical findings.
["This timed insulin test shows how the pancreas responds to a challenge and is interpreted alongside glucose results."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33809-5
- Short code
- Insulin sp10 p chal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin sp10 p chal 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 your blood 10 minutes after a prescribed challenge. The challenge is used to evaluate how the pancreas releases insulin in response to a controlled stimulus.
Why might I need this test?
A provider may order it to investigate how your body handles glucose, including possible hypoglycemia or diabetes. It may also be used when evaluating pancreatic function or insulin production.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected at a precisely specified time after the challenge, usually alongside a glucose measurement. The laboratory analyzes the sample for insulin, and the result is compared with the challenge and baseline results.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the clinic's instructions about fasting, medications, and the type of challenge. Arrive early enough for the baseline sample and exact 10-minute follow-up sample, and do not change insulin or other medicines unless your clinician directs you to.
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 or lower than expected at 10 minutes may reflect altered pancreatic insulin secretion or an unusual response to the challenge. Interpretation depends on the type and amount of challenge, fasting status, medications, symptoms, and the accompanying glucose results, so the result should be reviewed by a clinician.
Short name
10-minute post-challenge insulin
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required for this test?
Why must the second sample be drawn exactly 10 minutes after the challenge?
Do I need a glucose test with the insulin result?
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