C-Peptide PP Serum

• Test Name: C-Peptide (Postprandial) Serum Test
• Test Type: Endocrine function test
• Specimen Required: Blood sample (serum) collected after a meal (postprandial)
• Methodology: Immunoassay (such as radioimmunoassay or chemiluminescent immunoassay)
• Purpose: Measures the level of C-peptide in the blood after a meal to evaluate pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin production.

• Diabetes Diagnosis: Helps differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes by assessing the body's natural insulin production.
• Monitoring Insulin Therapy: Assesses the effectiveness of insulin therapy in diabetic patients by measuring endogenous insulin secretion.
• Evaluation of Hypoglycemia: Assists in diagnosing causes of hypoglycemia by determining if it is related to excessive endogenous insulin production.
• Pancreatic Function: Evaluates pancreatic beta-cell function, particularly in conditions like insulinoma or post-pancreas surgery.

• Components:
  • Collection of a blood sample from the patient, typically 2 hours after a meal.
  • Analysis of serum using an immunoassay to measure the concentration of C-peptide.
  • Calibration with standard controls to ensure the accuracy of the test.
  • Reporting of C-peptide levels in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL)
     
• Procedure:
  • The patient consumes a meal or is given a glucose load.
  • After 2 hours, a blood sample is collected and sent to the lab for analysis.
  • The serum is analyzed for C-peptide levels using a specific immunoassay technique.

• Normal Findings: C-peptide levels are within the normal postprandial reference range, indicating normal pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin production.
• Elevated Levels: High C-peptide levels may suggest insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, or insulinoma, where there is excessive insulin production.
• Low Levels: Low C-peptide levels could indicate type 1 diabetes or other conditions where insulin production is insufficient.
• Clinical Correlation: C-peptide levels should be interpreted in conjunction with blood glucose levels, insulin levels, and clinical symptoms for accurate diagnosis.

• Qualitative and Quantitative: Provides a quantitative measurement of C-peptide levels in the serum.
• Interpretation: Results are interpreted based on postprandial reference ranges and the patient's clinical context.
• Report: A detailed report includes the measured C-peptide level and its clinical significance.
• Turnaround Time: Typically 1-2 days, depending on the laboratory.

Q. What is the C-Peptide PP Serum Test?
This test measures the level of C-peptide in the blood after a meal to assess pancreatic function and insulin production
 

Q. Why is the C-Peptide PP Serum Test ordered?
It is ordered to evaluate insulin production, differentiate between types of diabetes, and monitor pancreatic beta-cell function
 

Q. How is the C-Peptide PP Serum Test performed?
A blood sample is taken 2 hours after a meal, and the serum is analyzed for C-peptide levels using immunoassay techniques
 

Q. What do elevated C-peptide levels indicate?
Elevated C-peptide levels may suggest conditions like type 2 diabetes or insulinoma, where there is excessive insulin production
 

Q. What do low C-peptide levels indicate?
Low C-peptide levels may indicate type 1 diabetes or other conditions where the pancreas produces insufficient insulin
 

Q. Is any preparation needed for the C-Peptide PP Serum Test?
The test requires that you eat a meal or take a glucose load before the blood sample is collected. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding meal timing
 

Q. How long does it take to get results from the C-Peptide PP Serum Test?
Results are typically available within 1-2 days after the blood sample is collected and analyzed