Albumin

Test Code

ALBU

CPT Codes
82040

Preferred Specimen

Serum (gold top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Instructions

This test is for albumin measurement on serum or plasma. For albumin measurement on Ascites or Peritoneal Fluid, order ALBA. For albumin measurement on all other body fluids, order MISALB.

Transport Container

Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 7 days; Refrigerated - 30 days

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

Quantity Not Sufficient, IV contamination

Methodology
Colorimetric

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Limitations

Albumin concentrations vary with posture. Results from an upright posture may be approximately 0.3 g/dL higher than those from a recumbent posture.

Reference Range

Birth - 3 Months:	2.1 - 4.5 g/dL
3 Months - 6 Months:	3.2 - 3.9 g/dL
6 Months - 1 Year:	3.2 - 4.3 g/dL
1 - 3 Years:	1.9 - 5.8 g/dL
3 - 5 Years:	2.9 - 5.2 g/dL
5 Years to Adult:	3.5 - 5.5 g/dL

Clinical Significance

Of all serum proteins, albumin is present in the highest concentration. It maintains the plasma oncotic pressure and the transport of many substances. Increased serum albumin may indicate dehydration or hyperinfusion with albumin; a decrease is found in rapid hydration, overhydration, severe malnutrition and malabsorption, severe diffuse liver necrosis, chronic active hepatitis, and neoplasia. Albumin is commonly reduced in chronic alcoholism, pregnancy, renal protein loss, thyroid dysfunction, peptic ulcer disease, and chronic inflammatory diseases.

This test is for albumin measurement on serum or plasma. For albumin measurement on Ascites or Peritoneal Fluid, order ALBA. For albumin measurement on all other body fluids, order MISALB.

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.