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.