Albumin

Introduction

Albumin makes up more than half of the total protein in serum. Thyroid hormone, corticosteroids, growth hormone, and insulin can increase albumin synthesis. Fasting, protein-deficient diets, liver disease, and intestinal malabsorption syndromes can cause a decrease in albumin synthesis.

Pricing

$49

How to order a test

What is Included?

Measurement of albumin levels in a blood sample by colorimetric methodology.

Turnaround Time

1 – 3 business days
The turnaround time is not guaranteed. The average turnaround time is 1 – 3 business days from the date that the sample arrives at the laboratory. Shipping time for the sample is not included. Additional time is required if the case requires confirmatory or reflex testing, or if the sample is insufficient, or if a recollection is required.

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Preparation Before Specimen Collection

None

Specimen Type

Blood

Volume

50 μL in a microtainer

Container

Microtainer (regular blood tube)

Collection Method

This test requires a blood sample from a finger prick. All supplies for sample collection are provided in the kit.

1. First wash and dry hands. Warm hands aid in blood collection.
2. Clean the finger prick site with the alcohol swab and allow to air dry.
3. Use the provided lancet to puncture the skin in one quick, continuous and deliberate stroke.
4. Wipe away the first drop of blood.
5. Massage hand and finger to increase blood flow to the puncture site. Angle arm and hand downwards to facilitate blood collection on the fingertip.
6. Drip blood into the microtainer tube.
7. Dispose of all sharps safely and return sample to the laboratory in the provided prepaid return shipping envelope.

NOTES: Avoid squeezing or ‘milking’ the finger excessively. If more blood is required and blood flow stops, perform a second skin puncture on another finger. Do not touch the fingertip.

Specimen Storage

Maintain specimen at temperatures between 2°C and 30°C during storage and transport.

Specimen Stability

Blood samples can be refrigerated or kept at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Causes for Rejection

• Incorrect or incomplete patient identification
• Incorrect specimen collection
• Inappropriate storage and transport conditions
• Incorrect specimen volume
• Hemolysis

Purpose

To measure albumin levels in a blood sample for the evaluation of nutritional status, liver disease, renal disease, and other chronic diseases.

Thyroid hormone, corticosteroids, growth hormone, and insulin can increase albumin synthesis. Fasting, protein-deficient diets, liver disease, and intestinal malabsorption syndromes can cause a decrease in albumin synthesis. Accelerated losses of albumin can also occur due to nephrotic syndrome and severe burns because skin is an extra storage pool for albumin.

Limitations

• This report is not intended for use in medico-legal applications.
• These results should be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical information.
• Correct specimen collection and handling is required for optimal assay performance.
• Interferences from medication or endogenous substances may affect results.

Methodology

Colorimetric (Bromcresol Purple) (Alinity c Albumin BCP assay)

Reference Intervals

3 – 5 years: 3.9 – 5.0 g/dL
6 – 15 years: 4.1 – 5.1 g/dL
16 – 29 years, Males: 4.6 – 5.3 g/dL
16 – 54 years, Females: 3.9 – 5.0 g/dL
30 – 54 years, Males: 4.4 – 5.1 g/dL
55 – 79 years: 4.2 – 5.0 g/dL

These reference ranges were obtained from Rifai N, Horvath AR, & Wittwer C. (2018). Tietz textbook of clinical chemistry and molecular diagnostics (Sixth edition.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.