Name of the Procedure:

Receptor Assay; Endocrine, Other than Estrogen or Progesterone (Specify Hormone)

Summary

A receptor assay is a medical test that measures the presence and quantity of specific hormone receptors in tissue samples. It is used to detect receptors for hormones other than estrogen and progesterone, such as androgen, thyroid, or insulin receptors.

Purpose

The receptor assay helps in diagnosing and understanding various endocrine disorders by identifying how tissues respond to specific hormones. It aims to guide treatment plans for conditions like certain cancers, metabolic disorders, or hormonal imbalances.

Indications

• Unexplained metabolic abnormalities
• Suspected endocrine tumours
• Investigation of hormone resistance syndromes
• Monitoring therapeutic responses in endocrine-related diseases

Preparation

• Fasting may be required depending on the hormone under investigation.
• Medication adjustments may be necessary.
• Blood tests or imaging studies might be conducted beforehand.

Procedure Description

1. A tissue sample is collected via biopsy or surgery.
2. The sample is prepared and processed in a laboratory.
3. Specific receptor-binding assays or immunoassays are performed to identify and quantify hormone receptors.
4. Results are analyzed to determine the receptor status and its implications for disease management.

Tools used include biopsy needles or surgical instruments, laboratory assay kits, and analysis software. Anesthesia may be administered if a surgical biopsy is required.

Duration

The initial tissue collection typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Laboratory analysis can take several days to a week.

Setting

The tissue collection is done in a hospital or outpatient surgical center. The assay itself is performed in a specialized laboratory.

Personnel

• Surgeons or interventional radiologists for tissue collection
• Laboratory technicians and pathologists for assay analysis
• Anesthesiologists if sedation or anesthesia is required

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the biopsy site
• Bleeding or bruising
• Pain or discomfort after the tissue collection
• Rarely, an incorrect or inconclusive test result requiring further sampling

Benefits

Identifying hormone receptor status helps tailor specific treatments, improving the efficacy of hormonal therapies and potentially leading to better clinical outcomes. Results can be realized within a week.

Recovery

• Mild restrictions in activity post-biopsy for a few days
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss results
• Pain management with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed

Alternatives

• Serum hormone level testing
• Imaging studies to detect hormone-related changes
• Pros: less invasive
• Cons: may not provide as detailed information about tissue-specific receptor status

Patient Experience

Patients may feel anxious about the biopsy, but sedation or anesthesia helps manage discomfort. Mild pain and tenderness at the biopsy site can be expected, with appropriate pain management provided. Post-procedure, most patients can resume normal activities within a few days.