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HelpTest Code FPEPA Gastric Pepsin Assay
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Body fluid
Sources: Tracheal or bronchial secretions
Container/Tube: Standard transport tube
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect a minimum of 1 mL tracheal or bronchial fluid.
2. Transfer to a tightly capped plastic tube and freeze immediately.
3. Ship frozen.
Secondary ID
89123456Method Name
Enzymatic method
Reporting Name
Pepsin A AssaySpecimen Type
Body FluidSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Body Fluid | Frozen | 30 days |
Reference Values
Protein Unit: mg/mL
Pepsin A Unit: ng/mL
Pepsin A Reference Range (ng/mL):
<12.5 negative
12.5-100 weak to moderate positive
>100 strong positive
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Thursday
Report Available
4 to 9 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
83986
84157
82657
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| FPEPA | Pepsin A Assay | Not Provided |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| Z3670 | Specimen Type | 31208-2 |
| Z3672 | Protein | Not Provided |
| Z3671 | pH | Not Provided |
| Z3673 | Pepsin A | Not Provided |
| Z3674 | Interpretation | Not Provided |
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated by the processing and performing laboratories for test suitability.Clinical Information
Refer to www.nemours.org/pediatric-research/research-labs/gastroenterology-clinical.html
Cautions
Note: Assay normal ranges are based on normal sample or medical conditions. Samples with the following abnormal conditions might affect the results.
-Pepsin A is rapidly degraded in alkaline pH (>6.0) as pepsin is not stable at alkaline condition. Samples with pH >6 might have reduced activity, resulting in negative pepsin.
-Absence of protein content or extremely low (<0.01 mg/mL) in a sample might indicate sample over dilution during collection, which can also lead to negative pepsin.
-High protein contents (>2 mg/mL or higher) in a sample might interfere enzymatic activity, thus decrease pepsin concentration. If borderline positivity was discovered in a high protein sample, assay might be repeated by diluting sample protein to 2 mg/mL.
A negative result does not rule out a micro-aspiration event. The detection of pepsin A in the airway is determined by the time of the aspiration, the degree of the aspiration, and the pH of the aspirates in the final collected media.
Results from this assay should be used in conjunction with clinical findings and other lab results.