Test Code LAB177 Albumin, Body Fluid
Performing Laboratory
Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory
Methodology
Colorimetric (Bromocresol Green)
Literature Reference:
Package insert: Alb2 reagent. Roche Corporation, 3/2015.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Pleural fluid, Ascites fluid, Pericardial fluid
Container/Tube: Mint green tube
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Additional Information: Indicate fluid type on specimen container and request form.
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Turnaround Time:
STAT: 1 hour after receipt in laboratory
Routine: 2 to 4 hours after receipt in laboratory
Test Classification and CPT Coding
82042
Reference Values
A difference between serum and Pleural fluid albumin >1.2 g/dL, (serum minus pleural fluid) is indicative of transudate.
Serum minus ascites albumin gradient ≥ 1.1 g/dL is indicative of cirrhosis, hepatic failure, fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and portal vein thrombosis. Gradient <1.1 g/dL is indicative of peritoneal carcinomatosis, Tuberculosis, Pancreatic, connective tissue disease and nephrotic syndrome.
Literature References:
Block, Darci R. Tietz Textbook of clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnositics. Elsevier Sixth Edition 2017. Body Fluids Abstract p. 925
Balfe, Alan et al. The Biochemistry of Body Fluids. Association of Clinical Biochemists in Ireland. 1-35. October 2009.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient
Additional Information
For BJH Laboratory Use Only
Alternate Tube: Red top tube
Analyte Stability:
See Analyte Stability Chart under General Information for a complete list.
Laboratory Processing Instructions:
Test performed in BJH Core lab. If specimen is received in a VACUTAINER, check procedure to confirm suitability. Centrifuge upon receipt. Apply blue tape to the specimen aliquot tube. Deliver to the Roche Cobas. Completed specimens are stored refrigerated for 30 days.
LOINC Code Information
Fluid Type |
Loinc code |
Pleural Fluid |
1748-3 |
Ascites Fluid |
1749-1 |
Pericardial Fluid |
1747-5 |