Serum concentrations reflect the synthesis capacity of the liver and may indicate early malnutrition, acute and chronic hepatic disease, advanced chronic renal insufficiency, and cystic fibrosis. Assess nephritic syndrome and protein-losing enteropathy. Due to the short half-life of approximately 12 hours, RBP may be suitable for monitoring the nutritional status and efficacy of parenteral nutrition.
Immediately following collection, thoroughly mix sample by gently inverting 5 times
Gold serum separator (SST) tube
Red:
Dk green:
Ambient (preferred) - 14 days
Refrigerated - 14 days
Frozen - 14 days
Freeze/thaw cycles - stable x3
Immunologic
0 - 12 yrs: 1.2 - 4.6 mg/dL
13 - 60 yrs: 1.6 - 6.1 mg/dL
61 - 80 yrs: 1.8 - 6.1 mg/dL
>80 years: 1.6 - 6.1 mg/dL