Sample stability:
-
3 days at 20-25 o C
-
6 months at 4-8 o C
-
1 year at -20 o C
| Age Range | Either Sex |
|---|---|
| All | 0.2 - 0.4[1] |
Principle: Immunoturbidometric assay
Reagents: Roche Prealbumin kit
Analyser: Cobas c502
Serum albumin and prealbumin are not markers of nutritional status. (Although previously regarded by some as nutritional markers, this is a misconception.)
In otherwise physically healthy subjects undergoing starvation, albumin and prealbumin levels remain normal or near-normal.
In contrast, albumin and prealbumin levels fall with injury or illness, regardless of nutrient intake. They are non-specific markers of illness.
References
1. Lee, JL. et al. Serum albumin and prealbumin in calorically restricted, nondiseased individuals: a systematic review. Am J Med 2015; 128,1023.e1-1023.e22
2. Friedman, A. N. and S. Z. Fadem (2010). "Reassessment of albumin as a nutritional marker in kidney disease." J Am Soc Nephrol 21 (2): 223-230.
Emails to chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz will receive priority attention from the on-call chemical pathologist.
If the query concerns a specific patient please include the NHI number in your email.
If email is not a suitable option, please contact the on-call chemical pathologist via Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995).
Individual chemical pathologists may be contacted but will not be available at all times.
After-hours : contact Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995) or hospital operator for on duty staff after hours.
Dr Samarina Musaad (Clinical Lead) : SamarinaM@adhb.govt.nz ext. 22402
Dr Cam Kyle: CampbellK@adhb.govt.nz ext 22052
Dr Weldon Chiu: WeldonC@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Campbell Heron: CHeron@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Sakunthala Jayasinghe: Sakunthala@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Spin/separate samples before sending