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Alpha Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone
Test Code91898
CPT Codes
83520<br>** This test is not available for New York patient testing **
Preferred Specimen
3 mL frozen plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Patient Preparation
Fasting specimen is preferred. Patient should be free from medications for 2 days.
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Transport Container
Transport tube
Transport Temperature
Frozen
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: Not stable
Refrigerated: 6 hours
Frozen: 90 days
Refrigerated: 6 hours
Frozen: 90 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Received room temperature • Received refrigerated
Methodology
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) • Extraction
FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Pan Laboratories. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Setup Schedule
Set up: Wed, Fri; Report available: 7 days
Reference Range
0-100.0 pg/mL
Clinical Significance
Alpha MSH is a 13 amino acid peptide (1665 kD) with serine at the N terminal end and amidated valine at the C terminal end. Alpha MSH is derived from pro-opiomelanocorticotropin, a precursor protein which contains within its structure, the sequence of ACTH, beta MSH and gamma MSH. The amino acid sequence of alpha MSH is identical to ACTH 1-13 in humans. Alpha MSH stimulates melanosome dispersion within dermal melanocytes and melanin biosynthesis within epidermal melanocytes. It also stimulates aldosterone synthesis. Plasma alpha MSH increases in humans with high fever due to endotoxin. Average plasma alpha MSH has been found higher in AIDS patients and also in obese men with insulin resistance.
