CPT® Code 83527

Insulin is a crucial hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a vital role in the regulation of blood glucose levels. It facilitates the utilization of circulating glucose for energy, while also promoting the storage of excess glucose as glycogen in liver and muscle cells. The measurement of insulin levels in the blood is essential for assessing various metabolic conditions, particularly diabetes. The CPT® Code 83527 specifically refers to the testing of free insulin levels in the bloodstream. This test is typically performed on a blood sample obtained through venipuncture, which is a procedure where a needle is inserted into a vein to collect blood. The specimen for this test can be collected at random or at specific timed intervals, such as 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes after a 75-gram glucose challenge, which is a test used to evaluate how well the body processes glucose. It is important to note that for accurate results, the patient should be fasting prior to the test. The analysis of the blood sample is conducted using quantitative ultrafiltration, a method that allows for the precise measurement of free insulin levels in serum or plasma.