Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) assay
Clinical Background:
VEGF or VEGF-A (also known as Vascular Permeability Factor (VPF)) is a potent mediator of both angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in the foetus and adult. (1-3)
During embryogenesis VEGF regulates the ...
VEGF or VEGF-A (also known as Vascular Permeability Factor (VPF)) is a potent mediator of both angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in the foetus and adult. (1-3)
During embryogenesis VEGF regulates the proliferation, migration and survival of endothelial cells.
It promotes bone formation through osteoblast and chondroblast recruitment and is also a
monocyte chemoattractant. (3-7)
After birth VEGF maintains endothelial cell integrity and is a potent mitogen for micro- and macro-
vascular endothelial cells.
In adults VEGF functions mainly in wound healing and the female reproductive cycle. (3)
In diseased tissues, VEGF promotes vascular permeability and is thought to contribute to tumour
metastasis by promoting both extravasation and tumour angiogenesis. (8, 9)
Circulating VEGF levels correlate with disease activity in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid
arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (ME) and systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). (10)
VEGF is used to monitor treatment response in POEMS syndrome (a rare paraneoplastic syndrome
due to an underlying plasma cell disorder), the acronym refers to several (but not all) of the
features of the syndrome Polyradiculoneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal
plasma cell disorder and Skin changes
The assay is a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Haematology
Haematology
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Specimen Container Adult:
SST serum tube
SST serum tube
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
SST serum tube
SST serum tube
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Special Requirement:
Serum sample taken into an SST (Gel) tube – blood should be allowed to clot for 30 minutes after collection and the sample should then be centrifuged at 1000g for 15 minutes.
The serum should be dec...Read MoreSerum sample taken into an SST (Gel) tube – blood should be allowed to clot for 30 minutes after collection and the sample should then be centrifuged at 1000g for 15 minutes.
The serum should be decanted into a plastic storage tube and assayed immediately or stored frozen at -20°C or below until assay
If storing locally – please double spin the sample at the stated centrifuge speed and store below -20°C, transport samples on ice to arrive still frozen -
Sample Stability:
After separation serum samples are stable at freezer temperature (< -20°C) for at least 3 months
After separation serum samples are stable at freezer temperature (< -20°C) for at least 3 months
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Transport Requirements:
After collection samples should be transported to the laboratory without delay – see sample requirements above for storage details.
After collection samples should be transported to the laboratory without delay – see sample requirements above for storage details.
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Add On Test:
tnu-tr.bloodsciencesadditions@nhs.net (external)
tnu-tr.bloodsciencesadditions@nhs.net (external)
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Reference Ranges:
Serum VEGF 62 – 707 pg/ml
Serum VEGF 62 – 707 pg/ml
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Factors Affecting Result:
Incorrect sample preparation or storage may give unreliable results
Extremely Lipaemic or grossly haemolysed samples may give inaccurate results and will be rejected
Incorrect sample preparation or storage may give unreliable results
Extremely Lipaemic or grossly haemolysed samples may give inaccurate results and will be rejected
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Referenced Documents:
1. Leung, D.W. et al. (1989) Science 246:1306
2. Keck, P.J. et al. (1989) Science 246:1309
3. Byrne, A.M. et al (2005) J.Cell.Mol.Med.9:777
4. Robinson, C.J. and S.E. Stringer (2001) J.Cell.Sci. 114:8...Read More1. Leung, D.W. et al. (1989) Science 246:1306
2. Keck, P.J. et al. (1989) Science 246:1309
3. Byrne, A.M. et al (2005) J.Cell.Mol.Med.9:777
4. Robinson, C.J. and S.E. Stringer (2001) J.Cell.Sci. 114:853
5. Dai, J. and A.B.Rabie (2007) J.Dent.Res. 86:937
6. Breier, G. (2000) Semin. Thromb. Hemost. 26:553
7. Barleon, B. et al. (1996) Blood 87:3336
8. Weis, S.M and D.A. Cheresh (2005) Nature 437:497
9. Thurston, G (2002) J. Anat. 200:575
10. Carvalho, J.F. et al (2007) J. Clin. Immunol. 27:246 -
Routine Contact Name:
RVI or Freeman Section Leaders
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Routine Telephone:
RVI: 0191 2820332, Freeman: 0191 2231195
RVI: 0191 2820332, Freeman: 0191 2231195
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Specialist Contact Name:
Haematology and Haemostasis Healthcare Scientist
Haematology and Haemostasis Healthcare Scientist
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Specialist Telephone:
0191 2139758
0191 2139758
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Specialist Email:
alison.brown93@nhs.net
alison.brown93@nhs.net