Protein, Total, Body Fluid
Use
The Protein, Total, Body Fluid test is useful for identifying exudative pleural effusions and differentiating hepatic from other causes of ascites that have elevated serum ascites albumin gradient using peritoneal fluid. This test aids in the investigation and differential diagnosis in body fluid analysis, helping clinicians discern between exudative and transudative effusions and guiding further investigation for appropriate treatment of underlying conditions.
Special Instructions
For protein measurement in spinal fluid specimens, order TPSF / Protein, Total, Spinal Fluid. Testing will be changed to TPSF if this test is ordered on that specimen type. Necessary information includes date and time of collection and specimen source. Indicate the specimen source and source location on the label.
Limitations
This test has limitations when gammopathy, particularly IgM type, is present as it may cause unreliable results. The usefulness of measuring total protein in certain fluids like pericardial fluid, synovial fluid, and others is limited and should be interpreted with other clinical findings due to poor sensitivity and specificity.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2881-1
- 2881-1
- 14725-6
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Body Fluid
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Sterile container, Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
1. Centrifuge to remove any cellular material and transfer into a plastic vial. 2. Indicate the specimen source and source location on label.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis; Gross lipemia; Gross icterus; Anticoagulant or additive, Breast milk, Nasal secretions, Gastric secretions, Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or bronchial washings, Colostomy/ostomy, Feces, Cerebrospinal fluid, Saliva, Sputum, Urine, Vitreous fluid.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |