Specimen

Plasma or Serum

Collection Medium:

Alternate
Collection Media:

Red top tube

Minimum:

Preferred Minimum:  3 mL K2 EDTA plasma or serum
Absolute Minimum:  1 mL K2 EDTA plasma or serum

Analytic Time:

5-7 working days

Reference Range:

Up to 22 ng/ml

Interpretive Data:

The Pepsinogens are gastric acid protease zymogens.  They are divided 
into two distinct immunochemical groups:  Pepsinogen I and II.  
Pepsinogen II is one of four aspartic proteinases:  PG I, PG II, 
Cathepsin E and D.  Pepsinogen II is produced primarily in the Oxyntic 
gland mucosa of the stomach, the gastric antrum and the duodenum.  It 
is secreted mainly into the gastric lumen and into circulation.  
Pepsinogen II has little or no biological activity but in acid is 
converted to the active enzyme Pepsin which exhibits proteolytic 
actions.  Unlike Pepsinogen I, Pepsinogen II is not normally found in 
the urine.  Patients with pernicious anemia have low to non-detectable 
levels of Pepsinogen I but normal levels of Pepsinogen II.  Pepsinogen 
II levels are slightly elevated in gastric ulcer.  Patients with 
Zollinger-Ellison's syndrome exhibit greatly elevated levels.

Comments:

Patient should be fasting 10 - 12 hours prior to collection of 
specimen.  Antacids or other medications affecting stomach acidity or 
gastrointestinal motility should be discontinued, if possible, for at 
least 48 hours prior to collection.

Methodology:

Radioimmunoassay (RIA)

CPT Code:

83519

See Additional Information:
Fasting Specimen Requirements