Glucagon Blood Test

Reviewed

This test measures the amount of glucagon in your blood to help diagnose hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, or a rare pancreatic tumor called glucagonoma.

Preparation and collection

You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test.

Understanding this test

Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.

  • The test does not diagnose a specific condition; results must be interpreted by a healthcare professional.
  • Fasting may be required before the test.

What to do next

If your glucagon level is outside the normal range, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests to determine the cause.

Evidence source

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Glucagon Blood Test

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