Glucagon
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Plasma
Requires fasting: Yes
Phlebotomy required
Details
This test is particularly relevant for individuals experiencing symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, mild diabetes symptoms, a distinctive rash, low levels of amino acids in the blood.
- Glucagon
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
Details
Glucagon Test - This test is primarily used to check for a specific type of tumor in the pancreas known as a glucagon-secreting tumor or glucagonoma. Glucagonomas can lead to a unique set of symptoms including a distinctive rash, mild diabetes, weight loss, and low levels of amino acids in the blood (hypoaminoacidemia). High levels of glucagon in the plasma confirm the presence of a glucagonoma.
What patients is this test right for?
This test is particularly relevant for individuals experiencing symptoms such as:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Mild diabetes symptoms
- A distinctive rash
- Low levels of amino acids in the blood
What type of sample is required for this test?
2 mL of plasma is needed for this test, collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube.
2–5 business days
11-78 pg/mL
Overnight fasting is required.
- Fasting before a blood draw means you don't eat or drink anything except water.
- Your doctor should provide any special instructions related to fasting for your test. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
Specimen
- Preferred Specimen(s): 2 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
Storage and shipping instructions
- Transport Container: Transport tube
- Transport Temperature: Frozen
- Specimen Stability:
- Refrigerated: 2 hours
- Frozen: 28 hours
- Reject Criteria:
- Gross hemolysis • Received refrigerated
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
