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Alpha Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone

Test Summary

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.

Aliases

  • Pan code

Specimen Collection

Special Instructions

N/A

Preferred Specimen

3 mL plasma collected in a lavender top tube (EDTA)

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Instructions

N/A

Patient Preparation

Fasting samples are preferred. Patients should be free from medications ( ACTH , Corticosteroids , CNS stimulants ,CNS depressants and blood pressure medications ) for 2 days.

Storage

Plastic screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

  • Room temperature: Unacceptable
  • Refrigerated: 6 hours
  • Frozen: 90 days

Limitations

N/A

Other Acceptable Specimens

N/A

Unacceptable Specimens

Received room temperature or refrigerated

Order Code

AMSTIM

EPIC (Premier) Code

LAB5811

Includes

N/A

CPT Code

  • 83520

Billing Code

  • 700000

CPT Statement

Methodology

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) • Extraction

FDA Status

This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Pan Laboratories, Irvine, CA. 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.

Physician Attestation of Informed Consent

N/A

Testing Laboratory

Pan Laboratories, LLC
15375 Barranca Pkw
E101
Irvine CA, 92618

Reference Range

<100.0 pg/mL

Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; Report available: 1 day

Specimen Collection

Special Instructions

N/A

Preferred Specimen

3 mL plasma collected in a lavender top tube (EDTA)

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Instructions

N/A

Patient Preparation

Fasting samples are preferred. Patients should be free from medications ( ACTH , Corticosteroids , CNS stimulants ,CNS depressants and blood pressure medications ) for 2 days.

Storage

Plastic screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

  • Room temperature: Unacceptable
  • Refrigerated: 6 hours
  • Frozen: 90 days

Limitations

N/A

Other Acceptable Specimens

N/A

Unacceptable Specimens

Received room temperature or refrigerated

Billing

CPT Code

  • 83520

Billing Code

  • 700000

CPT Statement

Result Information

Methodology

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) • Extraction

Testing Laboratory

N/A

Reference Range

<100.0 pg/mL

Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; Report available: 1 day