Laboratory Medicine
Test Directory / Albumin
Albumin
Brown clotted serum, gel barrier or lithium heparin
| Test | Albumin |
|---|---|
| Common Abbreviations | ALB |
| Profile | Bone, Liver Function Test, Adjusted calcium |
| Tube type | Brown clotted serum, gel barrier or lithium heparin |
| Clinical Indication | Albumin is a key plasma protein. High levels are infrequent and may be due to severe dehydration and excessive venous stasis. Hypoalbuminaemia may be caused by impaired synthesis e.g. in liver disease; increased catabolism as a result of inflammation; reduced absorption caused by malabsorption syndromes or malnutrition; protein loss to the exterior as observed in nephrotic syndrome or burns; and altered distribution e.g. in ascites. Measurements of albumin are vital to the interpretation of calcium and magnesium levels because these ions are bound to albumin and so decreases of albumin are also directly responsible for depression of their concentrations. |
| Specimen Type | Blood |
| Sample type | Serum |
| Minimum Volume | 0.5mL If requesting more than 10 tests please send an additional brown clotted serum sample. |
| Special Precautions | No special requirements |
| Stability | >1 month at 2-25°C |
| Turnaround Time | Outpatient/ GP: 24 hours |
| Laboratory | York and Scarborough |
| Reference Interval | Adult: 35-50 g/L (Recommended by Pathology Harmonisation Reference Group) |
| Limitations | In very rare cases gammopathy, especially monoclonal IgM (Waldenströms macroglobulinaemia), may cause unreliable results. |
| Notes |
