Laboratory: Clinical Biochemistry
Test Name:
ALBUMIN - (P)
Test Code: AL
Clinical Information:
Albumin constitutes about 60% of the total serum protein in normal, healthy adults. It serves a number of functions, which include transport of large insoluble organic anions (e.g. long chain fatty acids and bilirubin), binding of toxic heavy metal ions, transport of excess quantities of poorly soluble hormones (e.g. cortisol, aldosterone and thyroxine), maintenance of serum osmotic pressure, and provision of a reserve store of protein.
Collection Devices:
Specimen Required:


Plasma: 2.0 mL
Pediatric Plasma: 0.2 mL

Stability 5 months refrigerated, 4 months frozen
Referral:
Serum: 2.0 mL

Samples must be transferred to an aliquot tube and stored frozen if analysis will not be complete within 48 hours (#110-10-05 Serum / Plasma Separation Procedure & Transport)
Requisition:
Reference Values:
0 - 6 mo: 32-48 g/L                       
7 mo - 3 y: 35-47
4 - 18 y: 33-49
≥ 19 y: 33-45
(g/L x 0.1 = g/dL)
Reference values are for a hospital based recumbent population.  Levels are about 3 g/L higher in ambulatory patients and are lower in pregnancy.
Availability:
Stat or Routine
See Also:
More Information: