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HelpTest Code Epic LAB1005 Glucagon, Plasma
Additional Codes
SQ code GLUCM
Mayo code GLP
Reporting Name
Glucagon, PSpecimen Type
Plasma EDTAPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Useful For
Diagnosis and follow-up of glucagonomas and other glucagon-producing tumors
Assessing diabetic patients with problematic hyper- or hypoglycemic episodes (extremely limited utility)
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Fasting (8 hours)
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Pre-chill lavender top (EDTA) tube at 4° C before drawing the specimen.
2. Draw blood into the pre-chilled tube and process as follows:
 a. Chill filled tube in wet ice for 10 minutes.
 b. Centrifuge in a refrigerated centrifuge or in a pre-chilled centrifuge carrier.
 c. Immediately after centrifugation, aliquot plasma into a plastic vial and freeze.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.45 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma EDTA | Frozen | 90 days |
Reference Values
≤6 hours: 100-650 pg/mL
1-2 days: 70-450 pg/mL
2-4 days: 100-650 pg/mL
4-14 days: declining gradually to adult levels
>14 days: ≤80 pg/mL (range based on 95% confidence limits)
Glucagon levels are inversely related to blood glucose levels at all ages. This is particularly pronounced at birth and shortly thereafter, until regular feeding patterns are established. This explains the higher levels immediately after birth, which then first fall as the glucagon release mobilizes the infant's glucose stores, then rise again as stores are depleted, finally normalizing towards adult levels as regular feeding patterns are established.
For International System of Units (SI) for Reference Values, see www.mayocliniclabs.com/order-tests/si-unit-conversion.html.
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday, Thursday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
82943
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| GLP | Glucagon, P | 2338-2 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9358 | Glucagon, P | 2338-2 |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Immunoassay
Method Description
Big plasma glucagon, which is considered to be biologically inactive, is extracted using ethanol and removed prior to assay of the specimen. Following ethanol extraction, glucagon reacts with an anti-glucagon antibody that is attached to magnetic beads. After incubation and washing, a second detection antibody is added and attaches to any bead-bound glucagon, forming a sandwich assay. A streptavidin-phycoerythrin (SPE) tag binds to the glucagon-antibody complex. Laser-based fluorescent analysis of the resulting glucagon-antibody-SPE complex is performed on the Luminex 200 instrument.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Report Available
3 to 7 daysForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.