Albuminpcarmcnc
This test measures the amount of albumin protein in the fluid surrounding the heart (pericardial fluid).
{"Albumin is a protein that helps maintain fluid balance in the body","This test helps doctors determine the cause of fluid buildup around the heart","Results can distinguish between different types of pericardial fluid accumulation","The test is performed on fluid collected from pericardiocentesis","Abnormal levels may indicate infection, inflammation, or other heart conditions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51693-0
- Short code
- ALB PF
- Synonyms
- Albumin Pcar-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile collection tube (red top or SST) or sterile container without additives for fluid analysis
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 1.5
- Ref high
- 3.5
- Critical range
- 1 not specified – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Colorimetric assay (bromocresol green or bromocresol purple method)
- CPT
- 82040
- SNOMED
- 275275008
- Specimen volume
- 1-3 mL of pericardial fluid minimum; 5-10 mL preferred for comprehensive analysis
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 72 hours; freeze at -20°C for longer storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Pericardial Fluid Albumin test measures the concentration of albumin, a protein produced by the liver, in the fluid found between the layers of the membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium). This fluid is called pericardial fluid.
How is the sample collected?
Pericardial fluid is collected through a procedure called pericardiocentesis, where a thin needle is inserted into the pericardial sac to withdraw fluid. This is typically done under ultrasound guidance by a trained cardiologist or radiologist.
Why is albumin measured in pericardial fluid?
Albumin levels in pericardial fluid help doctors understand the nature of fluid accumulation around the heart. By comparing albumin levels in the pericardial fluid to blood albumin levels, physicians can determine whether the fluid is a transudate (caused by systemic conditions like heart failure or kidney disease) or an exudate (caused by local inflammation, infection, or malignancy).
Reference range
No established reference rangenot specified
No fasting or special preparation; specimen obtained by pericardiocentesis or intraoperatively
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is this test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What do high albumin levels mean?
What do low albumin levels mean?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy