Prealbumin
Label Mnemonic: PREALB
Epic code: LAB115
Order form: Laboratory Requisition
Supply order: Supply Order Form
Billing: Billing Policies
CPT code: 84134
Specimen(s):
Plasma
Collection Medium:
Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL
Alternate Collection Media:
Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.
Minimum:
3 mL whole blood in light green top tube or ONE Microtainer®.
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Turn Around Time:
1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
18-45 mg/dL (adults). Values for pediatric patients vary with age.
Test Limitations:
Criterion: Recovery within plus or minus 10% of initial values.

Icterus: No significant interference up to an I index of 60 
(approximate conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin concentration: 60 
mg/dL).

Hemolysis: No significant interference up to an H index of 1000 
(approximate hemoglobin concentration: 1000 mg/dL).

Lipemia (Intralipid): No significant interference up to an L index of 
100. There is poor correlation between turbidity and triglycerides 
concentration.

Rheumatoid factors less than 400 IU/mL do not interfere.

No high-dose hook effect was found up to prealbumin concentrations
of 250 mg/dL.

Falsely decreased results may be observed in samples from patients 
with monoclonal gammopathies of the IgM type.
Methodology:
Immunoturbidimetric
Sample Processing:
Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells.
Separate plasma or serum into labeled container and cap.
Sample Storage:
Refrigerate.
Transport Instructions:
Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.
CPT Code:
84134