Code Details for Lab and Clinical Services
ISI Order Code: GLUCA
CPT Code: 82943
Clinical Significance of Glucagon
Glucagon is a single-chain polypeptide consisting of 29 amino acid residues, derived from a larger precursor molecule known as big plasma glucagon. This precursor is enzymatically cleaved upon secretion. The primary sites of glucagon synthesis are the pancreatic alpha-islet cells and the hypothalamus. While the physiological role of hypothalamic glucagon remains incompletely characterized and no associated clinical disorders have been identified to date, pancreatic glucagon plays a well-established role in glucose homeostasis.
Excess glucagon can contribute to hyperglycemia and is seen in diabetes, especially during ketoacidosis. It may also occur in rare tumors like glucagonomas, hepatocellular carcinoma, and carcinoid tumors. Glucagonoma syndrome typically presents with necrolytic migratory erythema, diabetes, and diarrhea, though symptoms can be mild. In type I diabetes, impaired glucagon response to hypoglycemia may lead to prolonged or severe low blood sugar episodes.
Reference Range, Procedure & Expected Results
Reference Range:
11.0 – 66.6 pg/mL
Procedure:
Glucagon is measured by an immunoassay.
Expected Turnaround Time:
10 Business Days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of receipt of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering facility.Report: Sample Report
Patient Preparation Guidelines
Patient is preferred to be fasting for 10 – 12 hours prior to collection of specimen. Patient should not be on any antacid medications or medications that affect intestinal motility, if possible, for at least 48 hours prior to collection.
Specimen Collection:
3mL EDTA plasma should be collected and separated as soon as possible. Freeze EDTA plasma immediately after separation. Minimum specimen size is 1.0 mL
Rejection Criteria:
- Gross hemolysis/lipemia/icteric
Shipping and Handling Instructions for Glucagon Assay Specimens
Shipping Instructions:
Ship specimens frozen in dry ice.
Research & Scientific References
- 1.Cryer, P. E. (2012). Glucose counterregulation: Prevention and correction of hypoglycemia in humans. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 302(6), E676–E684. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00504.2011
- 2 Unger, R. H., & Cherrington, A. D. (2012). Glucagonocentric restructuring of diabetes: A pathophysiologic and therapeutic makeover. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 122(1), 4–12. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI60016
- 3 Mayo Clinic. (2023). Glucagonoma. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glucagonoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20373698
- 4 Gerich, J. E. (1993). Control of glycaemia. Baillière’s Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 7(3), 551–586. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0950-351X(05)80177-3
- 5 Wewer Albrechtsen, N. J., Kuhre, R. E., Pedersen, J., & Holst, J. J. (2016). The biology of glucagon and the consequences of hyperglucagonemia.