Test Guide Mobile

Proinsulin

Plasma/Serum
Test performed by: LabPLUS Support Services transport this to a 3rd party for testing

This test may be vetted by a pathologist.

The clinical information for the test must be clearly written on the request form. If clinical information is not provided, or does not provide sufficient justification for the test, the test may be declined.

Declined tests :

If a test is declined, the specimen will be held for a reasonable period (usually 3 weeks but dependant on the stability of the sample). Medical practitioners seeking approval for a declined test should email the on-call Chemical Pathologist ( chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz ) , giving the patient's name and NHI number and the clinical justification for the test. If unable to email, call the on-call Chemical Pathologist via Lablink (09-3078995) and identify yourself as a doctor.

Test vetting policy

Performed at Endocrinology, Prince of Wales Hospital, NSW, Australia

Proinsulin

Specimen Collection
Overnight fast required

SST preferred sample type

2 mL Plain Blood (Fasting)
2 mL SST Blood (Fasting)
Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
Serum proinsulin may be required for the diagnosis of insulinoma in selected cases.
In most cases the diagnosis will be clear from the serum insulin level taken at the time of hypoglycemia.

The sample needs to be sent frozen to Australia.

The ADHB protocol for investigation of hypoglycemia is as follows:

If a request for a proinsulin level is received:

1. An aliquot of serum will be automatically stored frozen, and logged in Delphic/Eclair as such..

2. A comment will be sent via Eclair: " If a proinsulin assay is required, contact the on-call Chemical pathologist (via Lablink ext 22000) who will authorise the sendaway to Australia. This sample will be stored frozen for 3 weeks after which it will be discarded."

3. If the endocrinologist, having seen the insulin, glucose and other results, still requires the proinsulin then he/she should discuss the case with the on-call Chemical pathologist who will authorise the sendaway if appropriate.

Last updated at 09:28:48 27/09/2019