Chromogranin A Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to Chromogranin A Test

A Chromogranin A test measures the amount of CgA in the blood. Chromogranin A, or CgA, is a protein secreted by neuroendocrine cells that is present in different organs of the body. A CgA test is a tumor marker test, and CgA levels are higher than normal in patients with tumors of the neuroendocrine cells. A healthcare provider may order a CgA test with other tests if he suspects that signs and symptoms are due to a carcinoid tumor or other neuroendocrine tumor. A doctor may suggest the test to the patient if they complain about diarrhea, rapid heart rate, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, nausea, or flushing of the face and neck. Nevertheless, the test is also ordered periodically to check for the effectiveness of treatment and monitor the recurrence of the disease. 

If your doctor has suggested a CgA test based on your symptoms, experts can schedule your test over the phone. You can also book the Chromogranin A test online from Redcliffe Labs. Since the CgA test is a tumor marker test and involves blood sampling, our phlebotomist will come to your doorstep with a home blood sample collection kit. Get accurate reports within a given time. From booking a Chromogranin A (CgA) test to doorstep sample collection and report delivery, every service is handled with great care at Healthy India Ki Trusted Labs, Redcliffe Labs. So, why wait? Book now!

Test Details:

When Do I Need a Chromogranin Test?

A healthcare provider usually suggests a Chromogranin A test when neuroendocrine tumor cells are already present in your body. Your healthcare provider wants to see the tumor’s performance after the treatment. 

Besides, there are situations when your doctor wants to assess the CgA level in your body and to check if the cancer is returning. 

In rare cases, Chromogranin A test or CgA testing is optimal for patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). 

Some common signs and symptoms include: 

• Flushing or appearance of deep red color on face and neck
• Fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Wheezing 

Regardless, if your doctor has suggested a Chromogranin A test based on your signs and symptoms, you need not delay. Getting tested in time will help assess your situation and the prognosis of your condition. 

What is the purpose of a CgA test?

The Chromogranin A test aims to measure the CgA levels in the blood. The rise in the CgA levels can be seen in patients with a range of health conditions. The CgA test helps diagnose and manage patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). 

Although the NETs start in many body organs, they are commonly found in the body’s gastrointestinal tract, including the appendix, the small intestine, and the large intestine. Besides, NETs can also begin in the lungs and the pancreas. 

Other conditions when your doctor may order a CgA test: 

• Monitoring Treatment Response:

A chromogranin A (CgA) test helps doctors monitor whether the treatment for some neuroendocrine tumors works. The changes in the CgA levels could indicate the recurrence of the cancer after treatment. 

• Understand Prognosis:

The CgA test may help a healthcare provider understand the chances of recovery in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. 

• If having symptoms of a neuroendocrine tumor: 

In a rare situation, CgA testing is recommended for diagnosis in a person having neuroendocrine tumor symptoms. This is because other health conditions can elevate CgA levels. 

What does the CgA test detect?

Chromogranin A is a tumor marker test that detects the CgA levels in the blood. They are expressed in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The elevated CgA levels could indicate that the tumor is progressing or has recurred. 

The CgA levels may also be considered to determine the prognosis of a NET. Your healthcare provider is best positioned to help you understand your CgA test results. 

What preparations are required for the CgA test?

Chromogranin A lab test doesn’t require any special preparations. Still, keeping a few guidelines in mind will help get accurate results. 

• No fasting: If your doctor has recommended a Chromogranin A test, you can usually eat or drink before the test. The CgA test may be ordered along with other tests, so your doctor may suggest fasting.
• Medications: A few medicines can influence your test results, so it is important to inform your doctor if you take any prescription medicines. He may suggest stopping or continuing taking them for the accuracy of results. 
• No strenuous exercise: Avoid it as it can result in injuries and burnout. 

What is the procedure for the Chromogranin A test?

A blood test is performed to measure CgA levels. The blood is usually collected in the lab. However, with Redcliffe Labs, you have the facility to collect home blood samples. 

• If you have booked a Chromogranin A (CgA) test from Redcliffe Labs, our phlebotomist (phlebo) will arrive at your property on a scheduled date and time with an up-to-date home blood sample collection kit. 
• He will tie a band around your arm, ensuring the vein is visible. Then, he will clean the site with an antiseptic to avoid infection. 
• In the next step, he will insert a needle in the vein to take the blood sample. Then, the phlebo will transfer the blood into a test tube to be sent to the laboratory for analysis. 
• The phlebotomist will open the band and apply a bandage on the puncture site to prevent bruises or infections. 

Chromogranin A lab test is safe and less time-consuming. There is a minimal risk involved, such as pain or bruise. However, these signs will disappear within a few days. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if they are still present in your body. 

What does the Chromogranin A test report indicate? 

Normally, the CgA levels are low in the blood. However, if a patient's report indicates no signs or symptoms, a normal CgA level is unlikely to have a neuroendocrine tumor (NET). Sometimes, a patient is likely to have a neuroendocrine tumor even if the CgA concentration is normal. 

Your doctor is the right person to help you understand your report for a Chromogranin, A test performed alongside other tests to diagnose or monitor a neuroendocrine tumor. 

What if the CgA test reports are positive?

Suppose you tested positive for the Chromogranin A test. In that case, the CgA protein is higher than normal in a patient’s blood with other health conditions, such as liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease. The development of Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) in the cells of the neuroendocrine system can be cancerous or non-cancerous. 

Elevated levels of the CgA levels in your blood may indicate the presence of a neuroendocrine tumor. However, a positive Chromogranin A test does not confirm the disease, and further investigation may be required. 

Who should take the CgA test?

A doctor orders a Chromogranin A (CgA) test when he suspects an individual may have a neuroendocrine tumor. Besides, the test may also be requested to check the effectiveness of the treatment for neuroendocrine tumors and other cancers of these types. Some common symptoms of the Chromogranin A test are flushing redness on the skin and neck, unexplained weight loss, diarrhea, wheezing, etc. 

What are the risk factors associated with the Chromogranin A test?

As far as the Chromogranin A test is concerned, it is safe and risk-free. However, inserting a needle may cause a bruise or pain on the puncture site. You need not worry, as these symptoms are temporary and will disappear within a few days. You should seek medical assistance immediately if the pain or bruise is still apparent. Besides, inform the expert if you feel dizziness, nausea, heart palpitations, or faint every time you see a needle. 

Conditions such as liver disease, renal insufficiency with stress, and inflammatory bowel disease may be responsible for the elevated CgA levels. Your doctor will consider all these factors while evaluating your CgA test results. 

Book Chromogranin A Test At Affordable Chromogranin A Test Price! 

You need not delay; book your appointment with the Redcliffe Labs for the Chromogranin A test. The Chromogranin A test price with Redcliffe Labs is INR 7500. Once booked, you can be sure of 100% professional services, including painless blood drawing procedures, lab analysis, and accurate CgA test reports within a time frame. So, why wait? Book Chromogranin A (CgA) test now! 

Chromogranin A Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Chromogranin A Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Conclusion: 

The most common scenario is when your doctor may suggest the Chromogranin A lab test if you are diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor (NET), and he wants to see how well the cancer is responding to the treatment. 

CgA testing is also recommended to help evaluate your CgA level and check for tumor recurrence. 

In rare situations, a doctor suggests CgA testing to help diagnose a NET. 

No matter if you are suggested a Chromogranin A test based on your symptoms, Redcliffe Labs is the most trustworthy diagnostic center to book your appointment at a reasonable Chromogranin A Test cost and get accurate reports within six days.