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HelpTest Code VEGF Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Plasma
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Lavender-top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Immediately after specimen collection, place the tube on wet ice.
2. Centrifuge at 4° C, 1500 x g for 10 minutes.
3. Aliquot plasma into plastic vial.
4. Within 2 hours of collection, freeze specimen.
Secondary ID
63019Method Name
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Reporting Name
Vascular Endothelial Growth Fctr, PSpecimen Type
Plasma EDTASpecimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma EDTA | Frozen (preferred) | 21 days |
| Refrigerated | 24 hours |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
| Heat-treated | Reject |
Clinical Information
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical modulator of angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels).(1) In mammals, there are 5 members of the VEGF family, each arising from different genes, with VEGF-A being the most well-studied. VEGF-A promotes angiogenesis by inducing migration of endothelial cells, promoting mitosis of endothelial cells, and upregulating matrix metalloproteinase activity.(2) VEGF-A is regulated by hypoxia, with increased expression when cells detect an environment low in oxygen. Physiologically, VEGF induces new blood vessel formation during embryonic development, after tissue injury, and in response to blocked vessels.
VEGF also regulates pathological vessel formation, such as in tumor growth and metastases.(3) Angiogenesis during tumor development is complex, although it is clear that VEGF plays a key role. VEGF also regulates angiogenesis in other disease states including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, diabetes, and age-related macular degeneration. In addition, circulating concentrations of VEGF are elevated in patients with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome, a monoclonal plasma cell disorder.(4) Although the pathologic role of VEGF in POEMS is unclear, it is useful as a diagnostic marker and for assessing response to therapy.
In addition to the various genes in the VEGF family, VEGFA has multiple splicing variants. VEGFA 165 is the predominant isoform.(2) An internal study has demonstrated that the VEGF assay used by Mayo Clinic Laboratories is specific for the splice variant of VEGF-A 165 and does not detect other isoforms of VEGFA or other VEGF gene products.
For more information see Acquired Neuropathy Diagnostic Algorithm.
Reference Values
≤96.2 pg/mL
Method Description
Testing for vascular endothelial growth factor is performed using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.(Unpublished Mayo method).
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday, Thursday
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83520
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| VEGF | Vascular Endothelial Growth Fctr, P | 34694-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 63019 | VEGF, P | 34694-0 |
Useful For
Evaluation of patients with suspected POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes) syndrome, particularly in differentiating from other forms of polyneuropathy and/or monoclonal plasma cell disorders
Interpretation
Elevated concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may be consistent with a diagnosis of POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes) syndrome.
Decreasing concentrations of VEGF over time in a patient with POEMS syndrome may be consistent with a therapeutic response.