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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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GLUCAGON

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2358    Geisinger Epic ID:  6684

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Plasma


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
3 mL lavender-top (K2 EDTA) tube
Specimen required: 

2 mL aliquot of plasma; minimum 0.5 mL. Please submit a separate frozen aliquot for this test. It may not be combined with any other test requiring a frozen aliquot.


Patient preparation: 

Patient must be fasting.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Centrifuge at 3000 rpm immediately after collection. Aliquot and freeze immediately.


Transport temperature: 

Frozen.


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: Unacceptable. Refrigerated: 2 hours. Frozen: 28 days.


Rejection criteria: 

Samples received room temperature or refrigerated. Gross hemolysis.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  82943
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Methodology: 
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Synonyms: 

Quest test code 519, GLUCA


Clinical significance: 

The glucagon assay is useful primarily when considering a glucagon-secreting tumor of the pancreas. Glucagonomas cause an unusual but characteristic syndrome consisting of a rash, mild diabetes, weight loss and hypoamninoacidemia. Measurement of plasma glucagon confirms the diagnosis; glucagon levels are very high in the setting of glucagonoma.


Review Date:  11/21/2024

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