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HelpTest Code PAB or LAB115 Prealbumin, Serum
Specimen Requirements
| Container Type: |
Optimal: Gold Acceptable: Red |
| Optimal Collection Volume: |
4.5mL; full tube |
| Minimum Volume: |
1 mL whole blood |
| Collection Instructions: |
Gently invert the sample 5-6 times after collection. |
| Specimen Transport: |
Refrigerate |
| Processing Instructions: |
1. Allow the specimen to clot for 30 minutes. 2. Centrifuge specimen within 2 hours of collection. 3. After centrifugation, specimen tubes without a gel barrier should have the serum aliquoted to a false bottom container. 4. Keep the serum refrigerated until testing can be performed. |
Specimen Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated | 3 days |
| Frozen | 6 months |
Specimen Rejection Criteria
| Hemolysis | Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Lipemia | Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Icterus | Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Other | Quantity not sufficient |
Useful For
The test is useful for assessing nutritional status, especially in monitoring the response to nutritional support in the acutely ill patient.
Methodology
Roche Cobas - Immunoturbidimetric
Reference Ranges
18-45 mg/dL
Interpretive
Prealbumin can act as a negative acute phase reactant, decreasing its concentration rapidly during the inflammatory process.
Day(s) Performed
24/7
Expected TAT
Same day
Performing Laboratory
Bronson Laboratory, Chemistry - Kalamazoo and Battle Creek
Sample Retention Time
7 days
CPT Code
84134
LOINC Code
14338-8