Gastrin

Pathology category

Biochemistry - referred tests

Code

GAST

Referral code

Request form

Test information

For diagnosis of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (gastrin-producing tumour) Record on request patient’s serum calcium and urea levels, list of all drugs currently administered and details of any gastric surgery. Patient should fast overnight. Stop H2 blockers for 72h, and omeprazole for 2 weeks, prior to blood test.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

Blood collection into EDTA tubes on ice, separate within 15 min. VISIBLE HAEMOLYSIS INVALIDATES RESULT.

Reference range

<40 pmol/L

Tube type

Tube type info

EDTA on ice

Special requirements

Plasma

Minimum volume

1 mL

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

TAT Inpatient

4 weeks

TAT GP/Outpatient

4 weeks

Referral lab

Dept of Clinical Chemistry (Metabolic Medicine), Hammersmith Hospital