Specimen:

Plasma

Collection Medium:

Alternate
Collection Media:

Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection 
containers.

Minimum:

2 ml; light green top or 1 microtube for pediatric patients

Testing
Schedule:

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Analytic Time:

1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)

Reference Range:

Adult Reference Range:  3.4 - 4.8 g/dL

Pediatric Reference Ranges:
  0 - 4 days = 2.8 - 4.4 g/dL
  4 days - 14 years = 3.8 - 5.4 g/dL
  14 years - 18 years = 3.2 - 4.5 g/dL

Test
Limitations:

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 
1000 (approximate triglycerides concentration: 2000 mg/dL).There is 
poor correlation between turbidity and triglycerides concentration.

In very rare cases gammopathy, in particular type IgM (Waldenstrom's 
Macroglobulinemia), may cause unreliable results.

Reference
Glick MR, Ryder KW, Jackson SA. Graphical Comparisons of Interferences 
in Clinical Chemistry Instrumentation. Clin Chem 1986

Methodology:

Colorimetric assay with endpoint method

Sample
Processing:

Centrifuge at 3000 RPM for 10 minutes.
Aliquot plasma into labeled container and cap.

Sample
Storage:

Refrigerate.

Transport
Instructions:

Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.

CPT Code:

82040

See also:
Protein Electrophoresis, Serum

See Additional Information:
Chemistry Pediatric Reference Ranges