Albumin, pericardial, peritoneal or pleural fluid

Alphabetical Test listing

Albumin, pericardial, peritoneal or pleural fluid-950

Test name:

Test number:

950

Excellian order number:

82042.0

Abbreviation:

ALF

Useful for:

Peritoneal:

SAAG (Serum-Ascites albumin gradient) ≥ 1/1 g/dL indicates portal hypertension

Pleural:

SEAG (Serum-effusion albumin gradient) > 1.2 g/dL is consistent with a transudative process and may be more accurate in patients receiving diuretic therapy.

Specimen type:

Fluid - pericardial, peritoneal or pleural

Collection container:

Sterile container

Volume:

1.0 mL

Minimum volume:

0.5 mL

Processing instructions:

Spin and separate:

Centrifuge 5-10 minutes to remove cellular material.
Transfer supernatant to a False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL)
Refrigerate

Transport container:

False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL)

Required forms/information:

Indicate source of fluid on container and order

Transport and stability:

Refrigerated - 5 days

Reason for rejection:

Improper labels (unlabeled or mislabeled)
Hemolysis (some procedures)
Delay in transport
Improper storage temperature affecting results
Improper container
Leaking container resulting in compromised specimen
Quantity not sufficient (QNS)

Performing lab:

AHL - Chemistry: C

Days set up:

Daily

TAT:

1 day

Method:

Bromcresol Green, Photometric

Reference ranges:

Undefined

CPT codes:

82042

Date created:

12/30/2004

Revised date:

02/03/2021

Review date:

01/04/2024