Insulin, Serum/Plasma — Post-Challenge, Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of insulin in a blood sample, often at a specified time after a glucose challenge, to help assess how the body regulates blood sugar.
["This insulin test helps evaluate blood-sugar regulation, and the collection time may be important when the result is part of a challenge test."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12744-9
- Short code
- Insulin sp7 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin sp7 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 insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas that helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells for energy. The sample may be collected at a specific time after a glucose or other challenge, so the timing listed with your test is important.
Why might I need this test?
Insulin testing may help evaluate unexplained high or low blood sugar, insulin resistance, or how the body responds to a glucose load. It is often interpreted together with glucose levels and, when appropriate, other tests.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein and tested in the laboratory to determine the concentration of insulin. If this is part of a challenge test, several samples may be collected at specified times.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the preparation and timing instructions provided by your healthcare professional, especially if the test is part of a glucose challenge. Fasting may be required for some insulin tests, while challenge testing may involve consuming a specified glucose product.
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.
Insulin results are interpreted with the matching glucose result and the timing of the sample. Insulin that is high when glucose is high may be associated with insulin resistance or impaired glucose regulation, while an insufficient insulin response may suggest reduced insulin production or action. Results must be assessed by a healthcare professional because conditions, medications, meals, and the timing of collection can affect them.
Short name
Insulin
Frequently asked questions
Does a high insulin level always mean I have diabetes?
Why does the collection time matter?
Will I need to fast before this 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