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HelpTest ID INS Insulin, Serum
Ordering Guidance
Patients on insulin therapy may develop anti-insulin antibodies. These antibodies may interfere in the assay system, causing inaccurate results. In such individuals, measurement of free insulin INSFT / Insulin, Free and Total, Serum should be performed.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation:
1. Patient should be fasting.
2. For 12 hours before specimen collection do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.
Supplies: Sarstedt 5 mL Aliquot Tube (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Avoid hemolysis
2. Label specimens with corresponding collection times.
3. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Additional Information: If multiple specimens are drawn, send separate order for each specimen.
Useful For
Diagnosing insulinoma, when used in conjunction with proinsulin and C-peptide measurements
Management of diabetes mellitus
Method Name
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Reporting Name
Insulin, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.75 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 180 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. It regulates the uptake and utilization of glucose and is also involved in protein synthesis and triglyceride storage.
Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes) is caused by insulin deficiency due to destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic islet (beta) cells. Type 2 diabetes (noninsulin-dependent diabetes) is characterized by resistance to the action of insulin (insulin resistance).
Insulin levels may be increased in patients with pancreatic beta cell tumors (insulinoma).
Reference Values
2.6-24.9 mcIU/mL
For SI unit Reference Values, see https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/order-tests/si-unit-conversion.html
Cautions
Human antimouse antibodies (HAMA) may interfere with the assay.
This assay has 100% cross-reactivity with recombinant human insulin (Novolin R and Novolin N). It does not recognize other commonly used analogues of injectable insulin (ie, insulin lispro, insulin aspart, and insulin glargine).
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
1 to 3 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
83525