Breast Milk Intake — Qualitative Assessment
A qualitative assessment documenting whether an infant is receiving breast milk, often used during newborn feeding and nutrition evaluations.
["This assessment helps document breast milk intake but does not by itself measure hydration or nutritional adequacy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 80485-6
- Short code
- Breast milk int adeq
- Synonyms
- Breast milk int adeq
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This is a qualitative breast milk intake assessment. It documents the presence of breast milk feeding and may be used as part of evaluating a newborn's feeding and nutrition.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may use it to review feeding patterns, assess whether an infant is receiving breast milk, and guide decisions about monitoring, lactation support, or supplementation.
How is the test performed?
The information may be recorded through observation of feeding, review of feeding logs, or another clinical method selected by the care team. The exact procedure and any measurements should be confirmed with the healthcare provider ordering the assessment.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually needed. Bring any feeding or diaper records requested by the clinician and be ready to describe the baby's feeding patterns, urine output, and any concerns.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The result helps document whether breast milk intake is occurring and may prompt closer feeding support or follow-up. It should be interpreted with the infant's weight, hydration, urine output, and overall clinical condition because a qualitative result alone cannot establish adequate nutrition.
Short name
Breast milk intake
Frequently asked questions
Does this test show how much breast milk my baby receives?
Can this test tell whether my baby is dehydrated?
Will my baby need supplemental formula?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy