Test Name
C-PEPTIDE
Aliases
-
Abbreviations
-
Test Classification
INDIVIDUAL
SPECIAL CHEMISTRY
Place Holder
Sub Department
-
TAT Category
ELAPSED (CONTINUOUS) TIME
Estimated TAT
96
TAT Units
HOURS
Test Requirements
Patient preparation: OVERNIGHT FASTING (8-12HRS). FASTING MEANS THAT ONLY WATER AND PRESCRIBED MEDICATION ARE PERMITTED DURING THE FASTING PERIOD.
Sample type: SERUM
Container/ preservative: SERUM SEPARATOR TUBE (SST/ GEL) OR PLAIN (RED TOP) VACUTAINER.
Sample volume: AT LEAST 2ML.
Other Instructions: CENTRIFUGE SST (SERUM GEL TUBES) WITHIN 1-2 HOURS OF COLLECTION. CENTRIFUGE RED TOP VACUTAINERS AND ALIQUOT SERUM WITHIN 1-2 HOURS OF COLLECTION. THE SEPARATION VIAL MUST BE LABELED WITH AT LEAST 2 PATIENT IDENTIFIERS AND THE SAMPLE TYPE.
SHIPPING/ TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS
Shipping Temperature: Refrigerated
ANALYTE STABILITY
Room Temperature: 8 HOURS at 20-25°C │ Refrigerated: 7 DAYS at 2-8°C │ Frozen: 1 MONTHS at -20°C
Clinical Utility
Evaluation of pancreatic beta cell function (e.g. to distinguish type 1 vs. Type 2 diabetes). Work up of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (e.g. differentiate between factitious hypoglycemia & possible insulinomas). C-peptide is co-produced with endogenous insulin & is therefore a useful marker of insulin production.
Last Review
26th Feb 2026