High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Analysis of Pancreatic Cyst Fluid for Specific Substance Concentrations
This test involves examining fluid collected from a pancreatic cyst to measure certain substances using a specialized laboratory technique.
["Understanding your cyst fluid composition helps guide treatment options."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 89697-7
- Short code
- CT Guided Pancreas Pcyst drain+cath plc
- Synonyms
- CT Guided Pancreas Pcyst drain+cath plc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Critical range
- 0.5 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Performed
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have a pancreatic cyst—an abnormal fluid-filled sac in the pancreas. The fluid is drained during a procedure called cyst aspiration, and this test helps assess the contents to check for signs of infection, cancer, or other abnormalities. It can also help determine if you need further treatment, such as surgery or medication.
How the Test Works
During cyst drainage, fluid is collected from the cyst. This fluid is then sent to the lab for analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a method that separates and identifies substances based on their chemical properties. The test measures the concentration of specific substances in the fluid, which can provide important clues about its nature.
What to Expect Before the Test
You may receive instructions to avoid certain medications or foods before the procedure, depending on your doctor’s recommendations. Typically, you’ll need to be prepared for a brief procedure under local anesthesia, where the cyst is drained. The fluid is then sent to the lab for analysis, often within hours.
What to Expect During the Test
The test itself is part of a cyst drainage procedure, which usually takes about 15–30 minutes. You may feel mild discomfort, but anesthesia ensures it is painless. The fluid is collected and processed immediately or stored for later HPLC analysis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The results of this test can help determine whether the pancreatic cyst contains harmful substances, such as high levels of proteins or other markers that may indicate malignancy, infection, or inflammation. For example, certain substances may suggest pseudocysts (non-cancerous) versus malignant cysts, guiding whether surgery or other interventions are needed.
Short name
HPLC Pancreatic Cyst Analysis
Frequently asked questions
What does this test measure?
Will I need to prepare for this test?
How long will it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy