Albumin

Test Code

ALB

Alias/See Also

Epic: LAB45

CPT Codes
82040

Preferred Specimen

Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Container: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Minimum Volume

0.10 mL

Instructions

Centrifuge and separate cells after clot formation and within 4 hours of collection

Transport Container

Plastic vial

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 2 months
Refrigerated: 5 months
Frozen: 3 months

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Unlabeled, mislabeled, wrong tube type, hemolyzed, QNS, exceeds specimen stability requirements.

Methodology
Bromcresol Purple

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Same day

Limitations

Hemolysis increases results by up to 5%. Bilirubin may decrease results by 2%, and Intralipid may increase Albumin results by 10%.

Reference Range

0 - 4 days
2.8 - 4.4 g/dL

4 days - 14 years
3.8 - 5.4 g/dL

14 - 150 years
3.5 - 5.0 g/dL

Clinical Significance

Albumin, synthesized in the liver, having the highest concentration of all serum proteins, ~55-60%. Albumin maintains oncotic pressure and transports many substances. Decreased values are seen in over hydration, hyper infusion, malnutrition, malabsorption, kidney disease, liver diseases, chronic alcoholism, pregnancy, acetaminophen overdose, cancer, severe burns and renal protein loss. Usually seen increased in dehydration.

Performing Laboratory
Inova Laboratories
2832 Juniper Street
Fairfax, VA 22031

Last Updated: April 11, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, March 3, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.