Insulin, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of insulin in a blood sample. It can help evaluate how the body regulates blood glucose, especially when interpreted alongside a glucose test.
["Insulin blood testing helps assess how effectively the body regulates blood sugar."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12745-6
- Short code
- Insulin sp8 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin sp8 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, a hormone made by the pancreas, in serum or plasma. Insulin helps glucose enter cells for energy and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order an insulin test to investigate high or low blood glucose, evaluate insulin resistance, or assess how the body responds to meals or glucose-lowering treatment. Results are often interpreted together with a simultaneous glucose measurement.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected from a vein and tested in a laboratory to measure the amount of insulin present. The test may be performed while fasting or at another specified time, depending on the reason it was ordered.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the preparation instructions provided by your clinician, including whether to fast. Tell your clinician about insulin injections, diabetes medicines, and the timing of your last meal because these factors can affect the result.
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 levels that are higher than expected may occur with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, obesity, or certain medical conditions. Levels that are lower than expected may indicate that the pancreas is not producing enough insulin, particularly when blood glucose is also high. Results should be interpreted with glucose levels, symptoms, medications, and the timing of the blood draw.
Short name
Insulin
Frequently asked questions
Is an insulin test the same as a glucose test?
Do I need to fast for this test?
What can affect my insulin result?
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