Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: No special preparation required
- Turnaround: 9-10 business days. May take longer due to weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) concentration levels in your serum. VEGF is a substance that stimulates angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, and it plays a role in supporting tumor growth by helping tumors secure a blood supply.
This test provides a direct measurement of VEGF, Serum. It is used to help assess tumor progression and to monitor how well a cancer treatment is working over time. It does not evaluate any additional biomarkers beyond VEGF.
Benefits
- Measures VEGF, a substance linked to tumor blood vessel formation
- Helps assess tumor progression alongside other clinical information
- Supports monitoring of response to cancer treatment
- Requires no special preparation before your blood draw
- Provides a straightforward serum-based measurement
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals currently undergoing treatment for a diagnosed cancer
- Healthcare providers tracking a patient's tumor progression over time
- Healthcare providers evaluating how a patient is responding to cancer treatment
- Individuals working with a provider to monitor treatment effectiveness
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in your serum. VEGF is involved in angiogenesis, the process of forming new blood vessels, and it plays a role in supplying tumors with blood. Healthcare providers may use this measurement to help assess tumor progression and to monitor how a patient is responding to cancer treatment. This test does not diagnose cancer, and it does not confirm or rule out cancer on its own.
2. Who would benefit from this test, and when should it be ordered?
This test may be considered by individuals currently receiving cancer treatment, or by their healthcare providers, when the goal is to track tumor progression or evaluate how a current treatment is working. It supports ongoing clinical monitoring rather than serving as a general cancer screening or diagnostic tool, and it does not replace clinical evaluation, imaging, or other tests your provider may recommend.
3. How does this test differ from other cancer-related tests?
This test specifically measures VEGF, Serum, a substance associated with the formation of new blood vessels that can support tumor growth. Other cancer-related laboratory tests may measure different biomarkers or support different clinical purposes, such as screening or diagnosis, so this test should not be assumed to be interchangeable with them.
4. Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation is required before this test.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 9-10 days. Results may take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
Interpreting VEGF results depends on your individual medical history, clinical context, and other relevant findings, so results should be reviewed with your healthcare provider. An elevated VEGF level does not automatically establish a cancer diagnosis, and a normal level does not automatically rule out cancer or treatment-related changes. If VEGF is being used to monitor tumor progression or treatment response, trends over time may provide useful context, but they do not guarantee a particular clinical conclusion on their own. Your provider may consider these results alongside other laboratory findings, imaging, or clinical evaluation.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review results that fall outside the expected range with a qualified healthcare provider, who may consider them alongside your medical history and other clinical information and may recommend additional evaluation based on their assessment. An abnormal result does not by itself mean cancer is present or progressing.
8. How often should I get tested?
There is no set testing schedule for this test. If VEGF is being used to help monitor tumor progression or treatment response, your healthcare provider can advise on how often retesting may be appropriate for your specific situation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test.
