What is the purpose of this test?
Order this C-Peptide Urine Test, 24-Hour, which helps diagnose hypoglycemia, treat insulinoma, manage diabetes, and identify diabetes through a urine sample collected over 24 hours. The pancreas produces C-peptide as a byproduct while making insulin. It's a vital substance released into the bloodstream to measure insulin production. This measurement helps distinguish insulin made by the body (endogenous) from insulin taken as medication (exogenous). Healthcare providers often use this test along with an insulin or glucose test to accurately determine insulin levels in the body. Healthcare providers can assess the pancreas' ability to produce insulin and the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels by measuring the amount of C-peptide in the urine.
When should I order a C-Peptide Urine Test, 24-Hour?
If an individual experiences symptoms related to hypoglycemia or there is a suspicion of excess insulin in the body, doctors may order a C-peptide level test. This test helps distinguish the insulin produced by the body from any external sources of insulin. Signs or symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
- Sweating
- Palpitations
- Hunger
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Fainting
- In severe cases, seizures and loss of consciousness
Also Known As: connecting peptide, insulin c-peptide, proinsulin c-peptide
Preparation:Patients must take their lab order to the lab to obtain the proper specimen container before collection. No fasting is required. Medications affecting mineral metabolism should be withdrawn, if possible, two to four weeks prior to and during collection. Check with physician before stopping any medications. Urinate at 8am and discard the specimen. Then collect all urine in 24-hour period, ending with final collection at 8am the next morning. Refrigerate the collected urine between all voidings or keep it in a cool place. Screw the lid on securely. Transport the specimen promptly to the laboratory. Container must be labeled with full name, date and time collection started, and date and time collection finished.
Test Results:
2-4 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Details:Includes Creatinine.
