Insulin

Test Code

INS

CPT Codes
83525

Preferred Specimen

Serum (gold or red top tube)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

Refrigerate specimen if testing will not occur within 8 hours, or freeze specimen if testing will not occur within 24 hours.

Transport Container

Serum (gold or red top) Tube

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature (if tested with 8 hours), Refrigeration (if tested within 24 hours), or Freezing (if testing will be delayed longer than 24 hours)

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 8 hours; Refrigeration - 24 hours; Freeze specimen if testing will be delayed longer than 24 hours.

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Quantity Not Sufficient, EDTA (purple top tube) contamination, IV contamination

Methodology
Chemiluminescence

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Reference Range

3.0 - 25.0 mU/L

Clinical Significance

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).

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.