Test Code GLUC Glucagon, Plasma
Additional Codes
MAYO: GLP
EPIC: LAB1005
Reporting Name
Glucagon, PUseful For
Diagnosis and follow-up of glucagonomas and other glucagon-producing tumors
Assessing diabetic patients with problematic hyper- or hypoglycemic episodes (extremely limited utility)
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
Plasma EDTASpecimen Required
Patient Preparation: Fasting (8 hours)
Supplies: Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T465)
Collection Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Pre-chill tube at 4° C before drawing the specimen.
2. Draw into the pre-chilled tube, and process as follows:
a. After drawing specimen, chill tube in wet ice for 10 minutes.
b. Centrifuge in a refrigerated centrifuge or in chilled centrifuge carrier.
c. Immediately after centrifugation, aliquot plasma into a plastic vial, and freeze.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.45 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Plasma EDTA | Frozen | 90 days |
Reference Values
≤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: ≤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.
For SI unit Reference Values, see https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/order-tests/si-unit-conversion.html
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Thursday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
82943
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
GLP | Glucagon, P | 2338-2 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
9358 | Glucagon, P | 2338-2 |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Immunoassay
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.