Albumin, Serum or Plasma by Spectrophotometry
Also known as: ALB
Use
This test measures the concentration of albumin in serum or plasma using quantitative spectrophotometry. It is often used to evaluate liver function, nutritional status, and the body’s ability to absorb proteins. Albumin levels can be affected by liver disease, kidney disease, inflammation, shock, and malnutrition. This test is commonly included in routine health examinations and can be used to monitor patients with chronic conditions that affect albumin levels.
Special Instructions
Patients should follow normal dietary intake and avoid significant changes in hydration or protein consumption before the test.
Limitations
The test is sensitive to factors that may affect protein levels in the blood, such as severe dehydration or overhydration, acute inflammatory states, or presence of paraproteins. Albumin measurement by spectrophotometry may be influenced by factors affecting light absorbance such as hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1751-7
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
ARUP standard transport tube
Collection Instructions
Allow serum tube to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum from cells within 2 hours of collection.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 10 weeks |
| Refrigerated | 5 months |
| Frozen | 3 months |