Chromogranin A is a secretory protein. It is located in the large, dense-core vesicles of neuroendocrine cells. Chromogranin A-derived peptides are involved in a range of activities, like glucose metabolism, tumour angiogenesis, regulation of blood pressure and neuroprotection. Neuroendocrine cells have nerve and hormone aspects and are found in all organs of the body. These cells can give rise to both benign and malignant tumours. Many of these tumours release large quantities of hormones like catecholamines, insulin or serotonin. Some of the tumours do not release these hormones. However, all neuroendocrine tumours are often associated with inflated concentrations of Chromogranin A.
Patient Preparation: there is no need to fast prior to sample collection. Specimen preparation: either serum or tissue is used as a specimen for Chromogranin A. The specimen can be either refrigerated or frozen. The stability lasts for 2 weeks and 6 weeks for refrigerated and frozen specimens, respectively.
Chromogranin A is used as a diagnostic tool along with other testing modalities. Serum chromogranin A test aids in monitoring neuroendocrine tumour progression. It is primarily used as a tumour marker and in detecting recurrence of the tumours.
Chromogranin A levels can be measured in the serum or confirmed by immunohistochemistry in a tissue specimen. Several neuroendocrine tumours stain positive for chromogranin A, including gastrinoma, carcinoid tumour, glucagonoma, parathyroid tumours, neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroma, etc. The reference values vary based on the technique used. The reference ranges for serum chromogranin A are the following: less than 36.4 ng/ml and less than 36.4 µg/l for conventional unit and system international, respectively.
Type | Gender | Age-Group | Value |
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Chromogranin A
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Unisex
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All age groups
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The stain is positive in Neuroendocrine
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