Albumin
Code:8010|CPT:82040|LOINC:1751-7
| Includes | Albumin |
|---|
Analysis details
Methodology
- Colorimetric method
- Bromocresol green (BCG) method
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Special Instructions
- Do not eat for 12 hours before the blood draw.
- Avoid vigorous physical activity and significant emotional stress for 30 minutes prior to collection.
- Do not smoke during the 30 minutes before collection.
How to use
Albumin (serum albumin, ALB) measurement supports assessment of hepatic protein-synthetic function, estimation of nutritional status, and interpretation of colloid oncotic pressure. It assists in the evaluation of renal disease with proteinuria and protein-losing enteropathies, and it is used to monitor chronic inflammatory and catabolic conditions. Albumin is a negative acute-phase reactant; concentrations decrease with acute or chronic inflammation, infection, and many longstanding diseases, and marked hypoalbuminemia may contribute to edema. Relative increases are seen with dehydration. In the appropriate clinical context, results inform evaluation of malnutrition and protein–energy deficiency.
Limitations
Serum albumin accounts for up to 60% of total plasma protein and is synthesized in the liver at approximately 15 g per day. It sustains plasma oncotic pressure and binds and transports hormones, vitamins, bilirubin, cholesterol, calcium, and many drugs. During protein deficiency, albumin can serve as an endogenous amino acid source. The serum albumin test is used primarily to appraise hepatic synthetic capacity and to gauge nutritional status. Interpreting albumin in context provides insight into disorders characterized by protein loss or shifts in intravascular volume.
| Unit | g/dL | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reference interval |
| |||||||||
| Indications | Suspected or established chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis, Chronic kidney disease, including presentations such as nephrotic syndrome, History of major trauma or extensive burn injury, Presence or workup of malignant neoplasms |
Specimen Requirements
| Specimen | Serum |
|---|---|
| Container | Gold/Tiger Top (SST, Gel Separator) |
| Volume | 1 mL (min 0.7 mL) |
| Storage Instructions | Room temperature, Refrigerated, Frozen |
References
Tonks DB. A study of the accuracy and precision of clinical chemistry determinations in 170 Canadian laboratories. Clin Chem. 1963;9:217-233. PubMed 13985504.
Lifshits VM, Sidelnikova VI. Biochemical Analyses in the Clinic: Handbook. 2nd ed. Moscow: Meditsinskoe Informatsionnoe Agentstvo; 2001. 303 p.
Nazarenko GI, Kishkun AA. Clinical Evaluation of Laboratory Test Results. Moscow: Meditsina; 2006. 543 p.