Clinical background:
Investigation of possible neuroendocrine tumour. Includes plasma gastrin, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide, somatostatin and vasoactive intestinal peptide. These tests are referred to an external laboratory.
Note that a separate request and serum sample is required for chromogranin A, which is performed in-house.
Specimen container paediatric:
Plasma from EDTA tubes. Serum SST tube for chromogranin A.
Specimen container adult:
Plasma from EDTA tubes. Serum SST tube for chromogranin A.
Minimum volume paediatric:
2 x EDTA tubes, 1 x Serum SST tube
Minimum volume adult:
2 x EDTA tubes, 1 x Serum SST tube
Special requirements:
EDTA sample: collected ON ICE, separate and freeze as soon as possible. Patient should be fasting. Store sample at -20°C.
Transport requirements:
Transport Requirements: Send sample on dry-ice
Other info:
Plasma gastrin, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide, somatostatin and vasoactive intestinal peptide are included in the ‘Gut Hormone Profile’. Place a separate request for serum Chromogranin A.
Referral Laboratory: The SAS Laboratories, Clinical Biochemistry and Medical Oncology, Charing Cross Hospital, London W6 8RF