Most submissions that we receive for measurement of insulin concentrations are done to diagnose an insulin-secreting tumor. An insulinoma is diagnosed by demonstrating normal or increased insulin concentration in the presence of hypoglycemia (glucose < 60 mg/dl) measured on the same sample. Therefore, to interpret the insulin, the concurrent glucose must be known precisely. An insulin-glucose pair is especially important to verify blood glucose values that are obtained by a glucometer.

The price of an insulin-glucose pair is $32.00. The preferred sample is separated serum, heparinized plasma, or a spun SST. The test code for the East and Test Express is #828, and the West is #10148. If you order an insulin concentration along with a panel, that includes glucose, the price for the insulin concentration is $30.00.