NEUROTENSIN

Message

REQUIRES QUEST WILDCODE.
Call Carrie x4171 or Amber x4173

*Collect in special Z-tube (G.I. Preservative) - Call Processing, tube is in processing refrigerator*

Test Code

LAB00255

Alias/See Also

LAB00255

CPT Codes
83519

Preferred Specimen

Collect special 10 mL Z-tube (processing refrigerator) - Bring to processing ASAP

Patient Preparation
Patient should be fasting 10-12 hours before specimen collection. Patient should not be on any antacid medication or medications that affect gasteroenterointestinal function, if possible, for at least 48 hours before specimen collection.

Instructions

Collect 10 mL of blood directly into a Z-tube (GI preservative) - Tube does not clot!
Bring to processing ASAP. Processing needs to separate plasma as soon as possible.
Freeze plasma immediately after separation.

Special Z-tube (GI Preservative) is requested from Quest Diagnostics.

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Frozen: 1 Month

Methodology
Direct radioimmunoassay

Reference Range

Neurotensin:
50-100 pg/ml

Clinical Significance

Neurotensin is a 13-amino acid peptide, produced primarily by endocrine cells of the ileal mucosa. Physiological actions of Neurotensin include hypertension, vasodilation, hyperglycemia, and inhibition of gastric motility. Its C-terminus is similar to Angiotensin I. It is a potent analgesic affecting hypothermia, muscle relaxation, and decreased motor activity. Pancreatic Polypeptide secretion is strongly stimulated by Neurotensin. Neurotensin appears to cause the release of Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone and Corticotropin Releasing Hormone, effecting the release of Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle Stimulatng Hormone, and ACTH, but not Thyroid Stimulatng Hormone or Growth Hormone. Neurotensin also stimulates pancreatic bicarbonate and intestinal secretion. Neurotensin levels are stimulated by food and Bombesin. Elevated levels have been found in pancreatic endocrine tumors, Oat Cell, Squamous, and Adenocarcinomas. Elevated levels have been found to cause watery diarrhea.

Performing Laboratory
Send to Quest Diagnostics, they send onto Inter-Science Institute

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.