A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Ascites Albumin Profile
Test CodeCPT Codes
82040, 82042
Includes
Preferred Specimen
Serum (gold top tube) and Ascites Fluid
Minimum Volume
Other Acceptable Specimens
Instructions
Both serum and ascites fluid specimens are required.
Serum should be collected within 24 hours of collection of ascites fluid. Blood in lab may be used if available and collected within 24 hours of ascites fluid.
This test is a panel that measures albumin in ascites and serum and calculates an albumin gradient based on these measurements. For Serum Albumin only, order ALB. For albumin measurement on body fluids other than Ascites or Peritoneal Fluid, order MISALB.
Transport Container
Serum (gold top) or Lithium Heparin (green top) tube for blood and sterile fluid collection container for ascites fluid.
Transport Temperature
Specimen Stability
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Methodology
Colorimetric
Setup Schedule
Daily upon receipt
Report Available
Reference Range
Serum Albumin: 3.5 - 4.8 g/dL
Ascites Albumin: 0.31 - 1.77 g/dL
Gradient: No range established
Clinical Significance
The ascetic albumin test is the most accurate way to differentiate different causes of ascites. The albumin gradient, which is the difference between the serum albumin and the ascitic fluid albumin, is the best way to differentiate between liver causes of ascites and peritoneal causes of ascites. Generally, portal hypertension is seen in patients with liver diesase, mainly cirrhosis. These patients tend to have a high gradient, higher than 1.1 g/dL, which indicates more serum albumin than ascitic fluid albumin. A low gradient, less than 1.1 g/dL, is indicative of a tumor or inflammatory changes which are producing an exudative process. Peritoneal fluid tends to have high levels of albumin.
This test is a panel that measures albumin in ascites and serum and calculates an albumin gradient based on these measurements. For Serum Albumin only, order ALB. For albumin measurement on body fluids other than Ascites or Peritoneal Fluid, order MISALB.