| 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 # |
Albumin, Serum
Message- Test performed at the York Hospital Laboratory.
Test Code
ALB
CPT Codes
82040
Preferred Specimen
0.2 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST)
Other Acceptable Specimens
0.2 mL serum collected in a no additive (red-top) tube, transferred to a plastic screw-cap vial 0.2 mL plasma collected in a lithium heparin (green-top) tube
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days Refrigerated: 1 month Frozen: 6 months
Methodology
Spectrophotometry
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
Next Day Available STAT 1/2 Hour
Reference Range
| Age | Albumin (g/dL) |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 3.2 - 4.8 |
| <1 Month | 2.5 - 5.5 |
| 1-3 Months | 2.1 - 4.8 |
| 4-6 Months | 2.8 - 5.0 |
| 7-12 Months | 3.2 - 5.7 |
| 1 Year | 1.9 - 5.0 |
| 2-3 Years | 3.3 - 5.8 |
| 4-6 Years | 3.5 - 5.2 |
| 7-19 Years | 3.7 - 5.6 |
| Adult | 2.6 - 5.2 |
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, thryoid dysfunction, peptic ulcer disease, and chronic inflammatory diseases.
