Albumin
Test Code
ALB
Description
Albumin - Serum albumin measurements are used in the monitoring and treatment of numerous diseases involving primarily the liver and kidney. Its main value lies in the follow-up therapy where improvement in the serum albumin level is the best sign of successful medical treatment. There may also be a loss of albumin in the gastrointestinal tract, in the urine by the damaged kidney or direct loss of albumin through the skin. More than 50% of patients with gluten enteropathy have depressed albumin. The only cause of increased albumin is dehydration; there is no naturally occurring hyperalbuminemia.
Collect
Plain red top or SST tube.
Pediatric Collection
Minimum volume: 0.15 mL serum
Storage Transport Temp
Onsite [NJH]: Transport to lab within 1 hour.
Offsite: Separate plasma from cells within 2 hours by centrifuge and aliquot into a labeled polypropylene or similar plastic tube.
Preferred volume: 1 mL serum
Stability
Stability after cell separation:
1 week at RT (15-25°C)
1 month at 2-8°C
Performed
Monday - Friday
Methodology
Dye Binding, Bromocresol Green
Turnaround Time
4 hour routine, 1 hour STAT
Department
Core Lab
Synonyms
AFP
Study Offerings
Not offered
Reference Interval
AGE |
MALE/FEMALE (g/dL |
Newborn-11 months |
2.7-4.8 |
1 year - 17 years |
3.1-4.8 |
18+ years |
3.5-5.0 |
CPT Code
82040
New York Approved
FDA Approved or Cleared
FDA
Approved or Cleared