Insulin, Serum/Plasma — 1-Hour Post-Challenge Concentration
Measures insulin in a blood sample collected one hour after a challenge to help evaluate how the body responds to a glucose load.
["This test shows how much insulin is present one hour after a challenge and is interpreted together with glucose and other clinical findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33810-3
- Short code
- Insulin sp11 p chal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin sp11 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 concentration of insulin in serum or plasma one hour after a challenge. Insulin is a hormone that helps cells take in glucose for energy. When paired with glucose measurements, it can show how the body is responding to a glucose load.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test as part of an evaluation of diabetes, prediabetes, insulin resistance, low blood sugar, or unusual insulin levels. The timing is important because insulin and glucose can change quickly after a challenge.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected one hour after the challenge. The laboratory measures the insulin concentration in the serum or plasma, and the result is reviewed along with glucose values and the rest of the challenge-test results.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the challenge-test instructions provided by your healthcare professional, including any fasting or medication guidance. Do not change medicines or your usual diet unless your clinician specifically instructs you to do so.
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.
This test measures insulin at a defined point after a challenge. When interpreted alongside glucose and other results, it can help clinicians assess insulin secretion and the body's response to a glucose load. An unexpectedly high or low result may occur with diabetes, insulin resistance, hypoglycemia, or other conditions and requires clinical context.
Short name
1-hour post-challenge insulin
Frequently asked questions
What does a 1-hour post-challenge insulin test measure?
Why is the timing of the blood draw important?
Does a high or low insulin result diagnose diabetes by itself?
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