Test Overview
Immunoassay
Diagnosis of glucagonoma (glucagon producing tumors) and glucagon-produced hypoglycemic disorders.
< or =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: < or =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.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Test Details
4 - 8 days
Specimen Requirements
Collect specimen in chilled lavender top tube from a fasting patient. Following collection place Vacutainer® on ice for 10 minutes, then centrifuge, aliquot plasma into a plastic vial and freeze.
Fasting specimen. Collect in prechilled tube and place on ice immediately. Must arrive in lab or aliquot and freeze within 15 minutes.
Additional Information
Test sent to Mayo Clinic Laboratories.