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Laboratory Medicine

Test Directory / Fluid Albumin

Fluid Albumin

Brown clotted serum, gel barrier or White topped universal (no additives)

TestFluid Albumin
Common AbbreviationsFLALB
ProfileNA
Tube typeBrown clotted serum, gel barrier or White topped universal (no additives)
Clinical IndicationMeasurement of albumin in ascitic fluid allows calculation of the serum ascitic-albumin gradient. A gradient >11 distinguishes ascites caused by portal hypertension from other causes.
Specimen TypeFluid
Sample typeFluid
Minimum Volume1 mL
Special PrecautionsPlease visually inspect samples before sending for analysis and indicate the site of collection. Samples which are very turbid or thick may be rejected as there is a risk of damage to laboratory equipment
StabilityNo specific data available. Analysis within 24h of collection is recommended to minimise the possibility of sample degradation. Store at 2-8oC
Turnaround TimeInpatient: 6 hours Outpatient/ GP: 24 hours
LaboratoryYork and Scarborough
Reference IntervalNo specific reference ranges are avaiable for fluid samples. Interpret result in light of serum albumin concentration. Note that a paired serum sample must be sent for albumin in order to calculate the ascitic-albumin gradient. For the interpretation of results please refer to http://www.acbi.ie/downloads/guidelines-of-body-fluids.pdf
Limitations Fluid composition tends to be very variable, and the exact mixture of components in a fluid sample can have unpredictable effects on measurement of any one analyte. Our laboratory methods are NOT CE-marked or validated for analysis of fluids, and no specific quality control materials are available. ALL results must be interpreted with caution.
Notes
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