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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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PROTEIN, TOTAL AND ALBUMIN

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB1178    Geisinger Epic ID:  52637

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Serum


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

1 mL serum; minimum 0.5 ml



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Centrifuge serum specimens within 1 hour of collection, transfer serum to a sterile, plastic, screw-capped vial(s).


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature.


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: 7 days. Refrigerated: 7 days. Frozen: 28 days.


Rejection criteria: 

Specimens with gross hemolysis are not acceptable.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  82040, 84155
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin (calculated), Albumin/Globulin Ratio (calculated).


Methodology: 
See individual member listings.
Synonyms: 

Globulin, Quest test code 7577, Protein, Tot


Clinical significance: 

The major proteins seen in the serum are albumin and globulin-the latter being primarily alpha 1 and alpha 2 globulin, beta globulin and gamma globulin. Albumin accounts for more than 50% of the total serum proteins. The albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio has been used as an index of disease state, however, it is not a specific marker for disease because it does not indicate which specific proteins are altered. The normal A/G ratio is 0.8-2.0. The A/G ratio can be decreased in response to a low albumin or to elevated globulins. Total globulins may be increased in some chronic inflammatory diseases (TB, syphilis) multiple myeloma, collagen disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Decreased levels are seen in hepatic dysfunction, renal disease and various neoplasms.


Review Date:  12/09/2024

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