Breast Milk Intake Panel
A group of measurements used to estimate how much breast milk an infant consumes and assess whether feeding is adequate.
["This panel helps evaluate breast milk intake and whether an infant is likely to be receiving enough nourishment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 80442-7
- Short code
- Breast milk intake Pnl
- Synonyms
- Breast milk intake Pnl
- 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?
The Breast Milk Intake Panel is a set of feeding measurements used to estimate the amount of breast milk an infant consumes. It may be used to evaluate feeding adequacy, particularly for newborns, premature infants, or infants who are not gaining weight as expected.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this assessment if an infant appears to be feeding poorly, is not gaining weight, has concerning feeding symptoms, or needs monitoring of milk intake. It can also help guide decisions about breastfeeding support and supplementation.
How is the test performed?
Milk intake is generally estimated by reviewing feeding records and observing feeds. When directed, the infant may be weighed before and after a feed so the clinician can estimate how much milk was consumed based on the weight change.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions and continue your usual feeding routine unless told otherwise. If a test feed is required, the clinician or lactation specialist will explain when and how it should be performed.
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.
Lower-than-expected intake may be associated with missed feeds, low milk supply, ineffective milk transfer, or an infant who is not feeling well. Results should be interpreted with the infant's feeding behavior, diaper output, weight trend, and clinical condition because intake alone does not establish the cause of a feeding concern.
Short name
Breast Milk Intake
Frequently asked questions
Does this test analyze the composition of breast milk?
Will my baby need to stop feeding before the assessment?
What can a low intake result mean?
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