Assays / Hormones / Glucagon (pancreatic) (plasma)

Clinical Use
Preoperative diagnosis of a glucagon-producing tumour of the pancreas in patients with diabetes and a characteristic skin rash (necrolytic migratory erythema).

Patient Preparation
With the patient at rest after an overnight fast, take blood (10 mL) using a needle and syringe.

Sample Preparation
Transfer the blood (10 mL) to a heparin tube (do not exceed 20 U/mL blood) containing Trasylol (aprotinin, 0.2 mL, 2000 kIU). Mix by inversion. Place on ice and transfer to the laboratory. Separate the plasma in a refrigerated centrifuge. Freeze the plasma at -200C within 15 min of venepuncture. Visible haemolysis invalidates the result. Send plasma (5 mL) to the SAS laboratory. Ensure the sample remains frozen during transport.

Reference Ranges
Adults (fasting): <50 pmol/L;

Adults with a glucagonoma: usually >200 pmol/L.

Centre offering this assay
London (Hammersmith).

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