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Quest Diagnostics

Insulin, Intact, LC/MS/MS

Quest Diagnostics

Sample type: Serum

Requires fasting: Yes

Phlebotomy required


Details

This test measures insulin levels to help understand blood sugar control and fat metabolism. It's mainly used to find out why someone might have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). High insulin levels can indicate hypoglycemia or conditions related to high blood sugar, like metabolic syndrome.


  • Insulin, Intact, Lc/Ms/Ms

Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected

Details
Insulin, Intact, LC/MS/MS - This test measures insulin levels to help understand blood sugar control and fat metabolism. It's mainly used to find out why a patient might have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). High insulin levels can indicate hypoglycemia or conditions related to high blood sugar, like metabolic syndrome. Reasons for high insulin include various health issues, such as insulinoma (a tumor in the pancreas), insulin resistance, and others. This test, especially when combined with C-peptide measurement, can also assess insulin resistance or help distinguish between different causes of abnormal blood sugar levels.

What patients is this test right for?
This test is suitable for individuals experiencing symptoms of low or high blood sugar, or for those who might be at risk of insulin resistance or related conditions.

Low Blood Sugar Symptoms:
  • Shakiness
  • Sweating
  • Hunger
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Weakness

High Blood Sugar Symptoms:
  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision

What type of sample is required for this test?
0.5 mL serum.


2–5 business days


≤16 uIU/mL

  • Cardiovascular
  • Metabolic function
  • Nutrition

Overnight fasting is required.
  • Fasting before a blood draw means you don't eat or drink anything except water. 
  • Your doctor should provide any special instructions related to fasting for your test. Always follow your doctor's instructions.

Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:

Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)

  • Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
  • Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
  • Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
  • Collection Instructions:
    • Bring a valid ID.
    • Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
  • Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
  • More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide

Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy

  • Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
  • Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
  • Availability: Available in most locations enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
  • Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
  • Collection Instructions:
    • Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
    • Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
  • More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide

 Specimen
  • Preferred Specimen(s): 0.5 mL serum 
  • Alternative: NA 
  • Minimum Volume: 0.4 mL 
  • Collection Instructions: NA 
 Storage and shipping instructions
  • Transport Container: Transport tube 
  • Transport Temperature: Refrigerated (Cold Packs) 
  • Specimen Stability
    • Room temperature: 24 hours 
    • Refrigerated: 28 days 
    • Frozen: 28 days 
  • Reject Criteria
    • Hemolysis • Received room temperature 

State restrictions:

Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island

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