Test Directory

Test Code
PREA
Test Name
Prealbumin
CPT Codes
84134
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Clinical Utility
Assess protein nutritional status and evaluate total parenteral nutrition.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Serum

Preferred Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Alternate Collection Container: Red Top, Separator

Minimum Acceptable Volume: 0.4 mL

Processing and Submission Instructions

Separator tubes: Contains clot activator and gel for separating serum from cells, but not anticoagulant. Separate serum from cells as soon as the clot has formed (30 minutes). If specimen is centrifuged before clotting is complete, a fibrin clot will form on top of the cell. This may cause the gel barrier to not be intact and could cause improper separation of serum and cells, possibly affecting test results.

Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.

Stability Requirements

Refrigerated

7 Days
Causes for Rejection
Avoid highly lipemic samples, which may produce excessively high scatter signals.
Methodology
Endpoint
Reference Intervals
Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Testing Schedule
Routine, daily