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HelpTest Code ALB Albumin
Additional Codes
Epic: LAB45
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Plasma Lithium Heparin
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 3.0 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and separate
cells after clot formation and within 4 hours of
collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.10 mL
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature: 2.5 months
Refrigerated: 5 months
Frozen: 3 months
Clinical Significance
Albumin, synthesized in the liver, having the highest concentration of all serum proteins, ~55-60%. Albumin maintains oncotic pressure and transports many substances. Decreased values are seen in over hydration, hyper infusion, malnutrition, malabsorption, kidney disease, liver diseases, chronic alcoholism, pregnancy, acetaminophen overdose, cancer, severe burns and renal protein loss. Usually seen increased in dehydration.
Reference Range
0 - 4 days
2.8 - 4.4 g/dL
4 days - 14 years
3.8 - 5.4 g/dL
14 - 150 years
3.5 - 5.0 g/dL
Rejection Due To
Unlabeled, mislabeled, wrong tube type, hemolyzed, QNS, exceeds specimen stability requirements.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Daily
Report Available
Same day
Method Name
Bromcresol Purple
CPT Codes
82040
LOINC
61152-5
Limitations
Hemolysis increases results by up to 5%. Bilirubin may decrease results by 2%, and Intralipid may increase Albumin results by 10%.