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Test Code 129 Prealbumin

Additional Codes

ALAB: PREALB

PowerChart: Prealbumin

MA Cerner: Prealbumin Level

Test Method

Turbidimetric Immunoassay; Beckman DxC700AU

Specimen Requirement

0.5 mL serum or plasma is required.

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Collect blood in a lithium heparin, green-top or red-top tube. PST and SST (gel tubes) are acceptable. Serum or plasma should be separated from contact with the cells within 2 hours of collection. Specimens not centrifuged within 4 hours of collection may be rejected. Refrigerate the specimen if unable to assay within 8 hours of collection. If specimens are to be stored longer than 48 hours, they must be stored at -15 to -20 C.

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Expedite: Typically completed within 1.5 hour after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

STAT: Typically completed within 1 hour after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Reference Values

18-38 mg/dL

Interpretive Comment:              
0-5 mg/dL Severe Protein Depletion       
5-10 mg/dL Moderate Protein Depletion
10-15 mg/dL Mild Protein Depletion

CPT Code Information

84134 Chemistry: Prealbumin

Useful For

Assessing nutritional status, especially in monitoring the response to nutritional support in the acutely ill patient

LOINC Code Information

14338-8 Prealbumin [Mass/Volume] In Serum Or Plasma