Chromogranin A, serum
Clinical Background:
Chromogranin A (CgA) is an acidic, hydrophilic protein of 49 kDa present in chromaffin granules of the neuroendocrine cells and is a member of the granin family. Its biological functions have not b...
Chromogranin A (CgA) is an acidic, hydrophilic protein of 49 kDa present in chromaffin granules of the neuroendocrine cells and is a member of the granin family. Its biological functions have not been completely elucidated, but it is known to be the precursor of several functional peptides including vasostatin, pancreastatin and parastatin. CgA is also released from neuro-endocrine-derived tumours including foregut, midgut and hindgut gastrointestinal NETs, pheochromocytomas, neuroblastomas, medullary thyroid carcinomas, some pituitary tumours, and pancreatic NETs. For this reason, measurement of tissue and circulating CgA is recommended for diagnosis and monitoring of NETs by most of the relevant societies (ENETS, UKINETS, NANETS).
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Serum - SST
Serum - SST
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Serum - SST
Serum - SST
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Special Requirement:
Fasting recommended.
Fasting recommended.
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Sample Stability:
Separated: 3 days at 20 to 25°C, 2 days at 4-8°C
Separated: 3 days at 20 to 25°C, 2 days at 4-8°C
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Transport Requirements:
Ambient
Ambient
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Interpretation:
Although CgA is used as a marker for neuroendocrine tumours, raised CgA can sometimes be seen in non-neuroendocrine tumours. High levels of CgA may also be found in cases of benign diseases (gastro...
Read MoreAlthough CgA is used as a marker for neuroendocrine tumours, raised CgA can sometimes be seen in non-neuroendocrine tumours. High levels of CgA may also be found in cases of benign diseases (gastrointestinal disorders, kidney failure, cardiovascular disorders). CgA values may rise during treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPI). It is recommended to stop PPI treatment for at least two weeks before determination of CgA.
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Reference Ranges:
<102 µg/L
<102 µg/L
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Factors Affecting Result:
N.B. Heterophilic antibodies can interfere with immunoassays.
PPI therapy can cause significant elevations in CgA.
N.B. Heterophilic antibodies can interfere with immunoassays.
PPI therapy can cause significant elevations in CgA.
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
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Routine Email:
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Specialist Test:
Yes
Yes
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Specialist Contact Name:
Endocrine Lab
Endocrine Lab
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Specialist Telephone:
0191 282 4025
0191 282 4025