INSULIN - (P)

Test Code: INS

Test performed at: Health Sciences Centre
Insulin is a peptide hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas. It regulates glucose uptake and utilization by the liver, muscle and fat. Insulin determination, in conjunction with C-peptide and proinsulin, is used to establish the cause of hypoglycemia (insulinoma, facticious). It may also be used for the assessment and management of diabetes mellitus.

Requires simultaneous glucose for adequate interpretation.  

Patient Preparation Instructions:  Multivitamins (45–125 µg biotin) or biotin-only supplements up to 1 mg per day do not interfere with this test. Samples should not be taken from patients receiving therapy with high biotin doses (i.e. >5 mg/day) until at least 8 hours after the last dose.

_SH General Endocrinology Requisition (R250-10-76)

_SH Specialized Endocrinology Requisition (R250-10-77)

Fasting:                  < 140 pmol/L

(pmol/L x 0.139= μU/mL)

Daily

EDTA plasma and hemolyzed samples are not acceptable. Separate the plasma and freeze immediately.