Albumin
Use
Evaluation of nutritional status, blood oncotic pressure; evaluation of renal disease with proteinuria and other chronic diseases.
Special Instructions
Twenty-four hour urine collection to measure protein loss may be utilized in the work-up of some patients with hypoalbuminemia. Other tests useful in the assessment of nutritional status include TIBC, transferrin, iron, absolute lymphocyte count, and vitamin B12/folate levels.
Limitations
Low albumin is often found in conjunction with the use of I.V. fluids, dehydration, liver disease, and several chronic conditions. Starvation, malabsorption, or malnutrition, in the absence of I.V. therapy and without liver or renal disease, may suggest inadequate protein reserves. Albumin levels ≤2.0−2.5 g/dL could cause edema. Low albumin values are linked with extended hospital stays.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1751-7
- 1751-7
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube.
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Fluoride plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |