Clinical use
Differential diagnosis of spontaneous hypoglycaemia.
Background
The measurement of both insulin and C-Peptide is advisable in these investigations since in some cases of insulinoma, insulin levels may be low or marginally inappropriate whereas C-Peptide is almost always raised. Further tests, such as those for ketones, proinsulin, sulphonylureas, growth hormone and the insulin-like growth factors may also be required to complete the diagnostic process.
Reference ranges
2.0 – 25.0mIU/L
Patient preparation
None required
Specimen requirements
- EDTA (purple top) tube
- A SST (yellow top) tube is also acceptable but they must be received by the laboratory within 30 minutes of venepuncture.
Turnaround time
2 weeks
Analysing laboratory
Biochemistry Lab, James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, TS4 3BW