VEGF-Alpha
VEGF-A
Cytokine
Plasma EDTA
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 degrees C, 1500 x g for 10 minutes.
3. Aliquot plasma into plastic vial.
4. Freeze specimen within 2 hours of collection.
0.3 mL
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
Gross icterus | Reject |
Heat-treated | Reject |
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Plasma EDTA | Frozen (preferred) | 21 days | |
Refrigerated | 24 hours |
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.
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.
< or =96.2 pg/mL
Elevated circulating concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may be observed in a variety of disease states, especially those associated with angiogenesis. Elevated concentrations of VEGF must be interpreted within the clinical context of the patient.
Normal concentrations of VEGF do not exclude the diagnosis of POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes) syndrome.
VEGF has limited stability. Following centrifugation, plasma must be either immediately frozen or refrigerated. Samples can only be stored at refrigerated temperatures for 24 hours, after which time samples must be frozen. Storage of plasma for any length of time at room temperature is not acceptable.
The presence of bevacizumab in patient serum interferes with detection of VEGF. Caution should be taken while interpreting results of patients receiving bevacizumab therapy.
1. Apte RS, Chen DS, Ferrara N: VEGF in signaling and disease: Beyond discovery and development. Cell. 2019 Mar 7;176(6):1248-1264
2. Otrock ZK, Makarem JA, Shamseddine AI: Vascular endothelial growth factor family of ligands and receptors: review. Blood Cells Mol Dis. 2007 May-Jun;38(3):258-268
3. Siveen KS, Prabhu K, Krishnankutty R, et al: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling in tumour vascularization: Potential and challenges. Curr Vasc Pharmacol. 2017;15(4):339-351
4. Brown R, Ginsberg L: POEMS syndrome: clinical update. J Neurol. 2019 Jan;266(1):268-277
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) cytokine assay measures human cytokines in a 96-well spotted plate. The assay employs a sandwich immunoassay format where capture antibodies are coated on a single spot on the bottom of each well. Diluted samples, calibrators, and controls are added and to the plate. If present, VEGF will bind to the capture antibodies. After incubation, a solution containing detection antibodies conjugated with electrochemiluminescent labels is added. After a final incubation, a buffer is added that creates the appropriate chemical environment for electrochemiluminescence. The plate is then read on the QuickPlex SQ120. The machine applies a voltage that causes bound labels to emit measurable light. The QuickPlex SQ120 measures the intensity of emitted light and correlates it to a set of standards of known quantity via a 4-point logistics curve fitting method.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Tuesday
This test was developed, and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
83520
Test Id | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
VEGF | Vascular Endothelial Growth Fctr, P | 34694-0 |
Result Id | Test Result Name |
Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
|
---|---|---|
63019 | VEGF, P | 34694-0 |