Insulin, Serum/Plasma — 1- and 3-Hour Post-Challenge, Analyte Concentration
Measures insulin in blood at timed points after a glucose challenge to evaluate how the body responds to increased blood glucose.
["Timed insulin measurements after a glucose challenge help assess insulin function and the body's response to sugar."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33812-9
- Short code
- Insulin sp13 p chal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin sp13 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 insulin, a hormone that helps glucose enter cells for energy. When performed as a challenge test, blood is collected at specific times after you drink a measured amount of glucose.
Why might I need this test?
A timed insulin challenge may help clinicians evaluate insulin function, glucose regulation, and possible insulin resistance. The results are usually interpreted together with glucose measurements and your medical history.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn using a needle, and the serum or plasma is analyzed for insulin. For a challenge test, you first drink a glucose solution, and additional samples are collected at the times specified by the testing center.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the fasting and timing instructions provided by the clinic, and plan to remain available for all scheduled blood draws. Tell the healthcare team about diabetes medicines or insulin, because they may need to be adjusted or temporarily withheld under clinical supervision.
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 response that is higher, lower, or delayed from what is expected may occur with insulin resistance, impaired glucose regulation, or diabetes. Low insulin can also result from fasting, certain medications, or medical conditions affecting the pancreas. Interpretation depends on the sampling times, glucose results, medications, and the reference values used by the laboratory.
Short name
Post-challenge insulin
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to drink glucose during this test?
How long does the test take?
Should I take my diabetes medicine before the test?
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