Insulin
Measures insulin in a blood sample to help evaluate how the body regulates blood sugar and produces insulin.
["Insulin results are most useful when interpreted with blood glucose, symptoms, medication use, and the timing of the test."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 67436-6
- Short code
- Need insulin PhenX
- Synonyms
- Need insulin PhenX
- 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
- Method
- phenx
- 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 amount of insulin in your blood. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps glucose enter cells for energy. The sample is usually serum or plasma.
Why might I need this test?
An insulin test may be used to evaluate diabetes or insulin resistance, investigate unusually low blood sugar, or assess how the pancreas responds to food or glucose. It is often interpreted together with a glucose test.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and analyzed in the laboratory. The result depends on when the sample was taken, so fasting or timed measurements may be specified by your clinician.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the timing instructions provided with the order. You may need to fast, and the test may need to be repeated after glucose or a meal. Do not stop diabetes medicines unless your clinician specifically tells you to do so.
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.
Higher insulin levels can occur with insulin resistance, obesity, or after taking insulin, but interpretation depends strongly on the glucose level and the timing of the sample. Lower insulin levels may suggest that the pancreas is not producing enough insulin. A single result should not be interpreted without symptoms, medications, and related laboratory tests.
Short name
Insulin
Frequently asked questions
Why does the timing of the insulin test matter?
Does an insulin test diagnose diabetes by itself?
Can medicines affect the 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