Albumin, Pericardial Fluid

Test Code

FLALBPCAR

Quest Code

17411

CPT Codes
82042

Preferred Specimen

1 mL pericardial fluid

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Freeze specimen and ship on dry ice

Transport Container

Sterile transport tube

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days

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

Gross hemolysis

Methodology
Nephelometry

Setup Schedule

Mon-Sat

Report Available

1-3 days

Reference Range

A gradient value of >1.2 g/dL is seen in transudates.

A gradient value of ≤1.2 g/dL is seen in exudates.

Clinical Significance

The serous cavities surrounding the abdomen, heart and lungs will accumulate fluids, called effusions, when their production or resorption is not in balance. The serum-effusion albumin gradient is used to classify whether an effusion is a transudate or an exudate.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-Chantilly VA

14225 Newbrook Drive

Chantilly, VA 20151-2228

Last Updated: January 31, 2025

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.