Insulin, Six Specimens
Use
The Insulin, Six Specimens test is used to evaluate how a patient's insulin levels change over time after administration of a treatment, which could be a drug or a specific glucose challenge like glucola. This test can help in assessing the insulin response to particular stimuli and is commonly used in the context of diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as insulin resistance or diabetes.
Special Instructions
The test involves drawing multiple blood samples at designated intervals starting with a fasting sample. The collection requires a baseline sample followed by treatment, after which further samples are taken. Each serum sample must be separated from cells within 45 minutes of venipuncture and labeled with the patient's name and time interval. Special attention should be given to biotin consumption, which may interfere with results; patients should avoid biotin for at least 72 hours before sample collection.
Limitations
This test might be subject to interference from biotin supplements, which are sometimes taken in high doses for various health reasons. Such interference could affect the accuracy of insulin measurements, thus it is critical to confirm that patients have ceased biotin intake prior to sample collection. The series should not be conducted without ensuring the patient is properly prepared and that the administration of any treatment between sample collections is accounted for.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 20448-7
- 27832-5
- 27874-7
- 27875-4
- 33816-0
- 46963-5
- 20448-7
- 46963-5
- 33816-0
- 33817-8
- 27832-5
- 27874-7
- 27875-4
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL for fasting and each time interval
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Collection Instructions
Submit 2 mL serum for fasting and each time interval (½ hour, 1 hour, 1½ hours, 2 hours, etc.). Label each tube with patient name and time interval. Submit simultaneously from the same patient on one test request form.
Patient Preparation
Patients should stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to collection.