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Insulin
minimum sample volume required ~ 4ml
Test Code: INS
Tube type: EDTA
Other acceptable tube types
Lithium heparin (pale green), SST (yellow)
Special instructions
Send concurrent fluoride sample for Glucose.
Interpretation of insulin results
During confirmed hypoglycaemia (glucose <2.7 mmol/L)
<7 pmol/L: Adequate suppression
7-19 pmol/L: Intermediate insulin
≥20 pmol/L: Inappropriately raised insulin
Reference range for insulin during fasted, but not hypoglycaemic state:
20-160 pmol/L
Sent away
to Bristol Royal Infirmary
Units
pmol/L
Linked to
C-peptide
Turnaround Time
5
days
Department: Biochemistry
Clinical Application
Measurement of insulin may be useful in the investigation of unexplained hypoglycaemia (glucose <2.7 mmol/L). Insulin should be interpreted in the context of the glucose concentration, so a simultaneous sample for glucose measurement is required.
Measurement of insulin may typically be measured as part of a neonatal hypoglycaemia screen, and in suspected insulinoma.
Webpage updated: March 2024.
Links:
» Metbio.net Guidelines for investigation of hypoglycaemia in infants/children
