Alpha Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone
Also known as: Alpha MSH
Use
Measurement of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‑MSH), a neuropeptide derived from the precursor proopiomelanocortin, may be used to assess neuroendocrine function and clinical conditions affecting melanocortin pathways. Quest currently forwards this test to Pan Laboratories for processing, which may impact turnaround expectations.
Special Instructions
Requisitional and specimen handling instructions: Collect in lavender (EDTA) tube, process promptly per frozen‑only protocol. Fasting specimen is preferred and patient should be off certain medications for 2 days prior to collection.
Limitations
Specimen must be frozen immediately—room temperature specimens are unacceptable. Refrigerated stability is limited. Minimum required plasma volume must be met (1 mL), with at least 3 mL preferred. Analytical and preanalytical limitations include stringent handling and transport restrictions.
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
3 mL plasma preferred
Minimum Volume
1 mL plasma minimum
Container
Lavender (EDTA) tube
Collection Instructions
Collect 2‑6 mL blood in lavender (EDTA) tube, spin and aliquot plasma within 2 hours, freeze immediately. Fasting preferred; off medications 2 days prior.
Patient Preparation
Fasting specimen preferred; patient off any medication for 2 days.
Storage Instructions
Frozen‑only transport and storage; room temperature unacceptable; refrigeration limited to 6 hours; frozen stable to 90 days.
Causes for Rejection
Received room temp; received refrigerated beyond stability window
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 6 Hours |
| Frozen | 90 Days |