Insulin, Serum/Plasma — 10-Minute Post-Challenge, Substance Concentration
Measures insulin in blood 10 minutes after a glucose challenge to help evaluate how effectively the pancreas releases insulin.
["This timed insulin measurement helps assess pancreatic insulin release during a glucose challenge."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25685-9
- Short code
- Insulin sp10 p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin sp10 p chal 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 amount of insulin in serum or plasma 10 minutes after a glucose challenge. It is usually part of a monitored glucose-tolerance test that includes insulin measurements at several time points.
Why might I need this test?
The result is used with glucose levels and other test findings to evaluate pancreatic beta-cell function and the body's response to a glucose load. It may help assess insulin resistance or abnormal blood-sugar control.
How is the test performed?
Blood is collected from a vein before and at specified times after you drink a measured amount of glucose. The 10-minute sample is tested for insulin, and the result is compared with the other samples and clinical findings.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the testing center's instructions exactly. Glucose-tolerance testing commonly requires fasting beforehand, and the timing of the glucose drink and blood draws is important. Tell the care team about medicines, recent illness, or blood-sugar problems, but do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed.
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 rises more than expected during a glucose challenge may occur with insulin resistance, obesity, or other conditions affecting glucose metabolism. A smaller-than-expected rise may indicate reduced pancreatic beta-cell function. Interpretation depends on the challenge protocol, medications, and results from the same test.
Short name
10-minute post-challenge insulin
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a routine fasting insulin test?
Why does the timing of the blood draw matter?
Does one abnormal insulin result diagnose diabetes?
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