Insulin, Serum/Plasma — 2-Hour Post-Challenge, Mass Concentration
Measures insulin in blood 2 hours after a glucose challenge to help evaluate how the body responds to increased blood glucose.
["This timed insulin test helps assess insulin response and possible insulin resistance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12739-9
- Short code
- Insulin sp2 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin sp2 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- 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. It is usually collected 2 hours after a standardized glucose challenge as part of an evaluation of the body's response to blood glucose.
Why might I need this test?
A timed insulin measurement may be used alongside glucose testing when evaluating diabetes risk, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or conditions associated with reduced insulin sensitivity, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is taken and analyzed for insulin. For the 2-hour post-challenge sample, the timing of the blood draw after the glucose challenge is important and must be carefully recorded.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the testing facility's instructions about eating and the glucose challenge. Do not change medications or meal timing unless your clinician advises you to do so, as these factors can affect the insulin response.
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.
A higher-than-expected insulin response may occur with insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic syndrome, or polycystic ovary syndrome. A lower-than-expected response may reflect reduced insulin secretion or recent insulin administration. Results should be interpreted with the glucose measurements, timing, medications, and clinical findings.
Short name
2-Hour Post-Challenge Insulin
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required for this test?
Why is the blood draw timed at 2 hours?
Does a high insulin level mean I have 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