Explore this test

  • Test Details
  • Lab Values
  • Clinical Significance
  • Treatment Options
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Explore this test

Test Code 410

Test Details

C-Peptide

Connecting Peptide (C-peptide) is a polypeptide produced by β-cells of the pancreas along with insulin. It serves as an accurate measure of insulin production, even in patients receiving insulin treatment.

Methodology

Chemiluminescence

Patient Preparation

None

Preferred Specimen

Red & Yellow Top Tube
(CAT serum separator clot activator with gel)

Alternate Specimen

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)

Stability

Refrigerated:  7 days

Lab Values

Lab Values

C-Peptide

Non-Diabetic

  • Optimal:  <3.0 ng/mL
  • Borderline:  3.0 – 4.0 ng/mL
  • Increased Risk:  >4.0 ng/mL

Diabetic

  • Borderline:  2.0 – 4.0 ng/mL
  • Increased Risk: <2.0 or >4.0 ng/mL
Test Details
Clinical Significance

Clinical Significance

C-Peptide

Elevated C-peptide levels associated with:

  • hyperinsulinemia
  • insulin resistance
  • obesity
  • renal insufficiency

 

Decreased C-peptide levels associated with:

  • insulin deficiency
  • starvation
  • hypoglycemia
  • Addison’s disease
  • post pancreatectomy
  • High doses of biotin (> 5 mg/day) may interfere with assay results. Patient assumed to be refraining from biotin supplementation for at least 3 days prior to blood draw.
Lab Values
Treatment Options

Treatment Options

C-Peptide

  • Insulin treatment for diabetic patients with low levels.
  • Lifestyle modification and other agents for diabetic patients with normal or elevated levels.
Clinical Significance