Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
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.