Clinical Lab Handbook

Container: SST

Alternate Container:Lithium Heparin (Mint), Red Top

Specimen Volume: 5 mL of serum

Special Handling Instructions: Centrifuge specimens and remove the serum or plasma from the cellular material within 3 days of collection

The VITROS ALB Slide is a multilayered, analytical element coated on a polyester support. A drop of patient sample is deposited on the slide and is evenly distributed by the spreading layer to the underlying layers. When the fluid penetrates the reagent layer, the bromcresol green (BCG) dye diffuses to the spreading layer and binds to albumin from the sample. This binding results in a shift in wavelength of the reflectance maximum of the free dye. The color complex that forms is measured by reflectance spectrophotometry. The amount of albumin-bound dye is proportional to the concentration of albumin in the sample.

Of all serum proteins, albumin is present in the highest concentration. It maintains the plasma oncotic pressure and the transport of many substances. Increased serum albumin may indicate dehydration or hyperinfusion with albumin; a decrease is found in rapid hydration, overhydration, severe malnutrition and malabsorption, severe diffuse liver necrosis, chronic active hepatitis, and neoplasia. Albumin is commonly reduced in chronic alcoholism, pregnancy, renal protein loss, thyroid dysfunction, peptic ulcer disease, and chronic inflammatory diseases.

3.5-5.0 g/dL

Monday through Sunday

Available STAT

82040