Insulin
Also known as: Immunoreactive Insulin
Use
Insulin is a peptide hormone that plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar levels. Serum insulin determinations are essential for patients with hypoglycemia symptoms, where an insulinoma is suspected. Insulin measurement is pivotal in diagnosing insulinoma by identifying elevated insulin levels during hypoglycemic episodes. Insulin levels are also useful for assessing insulin secretion capacity and evaluating insulin sensitivity. While fasting insulin is commonly measured to assess insulin resistance, the measurement isn't included in the American Diabetes Association's recommendations for diagnosing diabetes.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Test 004333, Insulin, is highly specific for human insulin and does not react with certain insulin analogs like insulin aspart, glargine, lispro, glulisine, or detemir. However, circulating antibodies to insulin and therapeutic insulin can interfere with immunoassay results. Monoclonal mouse antibodies used in the test may also cause interference. In rare cases, high titers of antibodies to streptavidin and ruthenium can interfere with the test despite having additives to minimize these effects.
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
Human Insulin
Analyte
LOINC Codes
- 20448-7 - Insulin SerPl-aCnc
- 20448-7 - Insulin SerPl-aCnc
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.8 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Collection Instructions
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube. Avoid hemolysis.
Patient Preparation
Patient should be fasting at time of collection.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate.
Causes for Rejection
Citrate plasma specimen; hemolyzed specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 day |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
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