Gut hormone assays

The Hammersmith Hospital runs all gut hormone assays for the UK. Assays are available for gastrin, glucagon, VIP, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), neurotensin, chromogranin A and chromogranin B.
Clinical Use
Diagnosis of pancreatic endocrine tumours.

Patient Preparation
With patient at rest after a complete overnight fast, take blood (10 mL) using a syringe and needle. H2 blockers should be stopped for 72h and Omeprazole for two weeks, before blood is taken.

Sample Preparation
Transfer the blood (10 mL) to a commercial heparin tube containing Trasylol (aprotinin, 0.2 mL, 2000 KIU). Mix by inversion. Place on ice and transfer to the laboratory. Separate the plasma in a refrigerated centrifuge. Aliquot known volumes of plasma (preferably into polypropylene tubes, in case of breakage in transit) and freeze at -20oC within 15 minutes of venepuncture. Visible haemolysis invalidates the result.

If from oversease, freeze-dry (lyophilise) the samples in vacuo, until all water content has been completely removed. State clearly and indelibly the patient=s name (in English) and the reconstitution volume of each vial on every sample and also on accompanying forms. Seal in vacuo, or under dry N2. Send by post to the address shown below. Record on the request form the patient's serum calcium and urea levels, a list of all drugs currently administered, details of any gastric surgery the patient has undergone and the basal and stimulated acid output (if available).

Please send samples to:
SAS Reception
G Block
North Corridor
Hammersmith Hospital
Du Cane Road
LONDON W12 0HS
Tel: 020 8383 2148