Insulin Challenge Panel, Serum
A supervised test that measures the blood response to insulin, helping clinicians evaluate glucose regulation and possible insulin resistance.
["This test shows how your body responds to a controlled insulin challenge and may help assess problems with glucose regulation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50673-3
- Short code
- Insulin XXX challenge Pnl Ser
- Synonyms
- Insulin XXX challenge Pnl Ser
- 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?
An insulin challenge panel evaluates how the body responds to a controlled dose of insulin. Blood measurements, which may include glucose and insulin, are collected before and after the challenge.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be ordered to investigate how the body handles glucose and insulin, including possible insulin resistance or other abnormalities in glucose regulation. The exact reason depends on the components included in the panel and your clinical situation.
How is the test performed?
After an initial blood sample is taken, a controlled dose of insulin is given. Additional blood samples are collected at specified times to measure the response, and the test is closely supervised because blood glucose can fall during the challenge.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the testing facility's instructions, as preparation may include an overnight fast and limits on food, drinks, exercise, and certain medicines. Do not stop taking medication unless your clinician specifically tells you to do so, and do not eat during the test unless instructed.
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 abnormal response may indicate difficulty regulating blood glucose, such as insulin resistance or altered insulin secretion. A pronounced or delayed response can also raise concern about low blood sugar during the challenge. Results must be interpreted using the specific protocol, timing of the samples, medications, and clinical findings.
Short name
Insulin challenge test
Frequently asked questions
Does an insulin challenge test involve fasting?
Why are several blood samples needed?
Can an insulin challenge cause low blood sugar?
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