Breast Milk or Formula Intake Panel
An assessment of the amount of breast milk and/or infant formula consumed, used to monitor infant nutrition and feeding adequacy.
["This assessment helps determine whether an infant is consuming enough breast milk or formula to meet nutritional and hydration needs."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 80441-9
- Short code
- Breast milk +or formula intake Pnl
- Synonyms
- Breast milk +or formula 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?
Breast milk or formula intake assessment estimates how much human milk, infant formula, or a combination of the two an infant consumes over a specified period. It may be part of a broader evaluation of infant growth, feeding, and nutrition.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may use this information when monitoring a newborn or young infant, assessing feeding adequacy, evaluating poor weight gain, or checking for dehydration risk. It can also help guide decisions about supplementation or changes to the feeding plan.
How is the test performed?
Intake may be calculated from feeding records, the number and size of bottles, nursing duration, measured volumes expressed or collected, or before-and-after bottle weights. The exact method and reporting period depend on the clinical setting and the order.
How do I prepare for the test?
Record each feeding, including the type of milk, estimated or measured amount, feeding time, and any interruptions. Follow your clinician's instructions and do not change feeding amounts or add supplements without medical guidance.
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.
Intake that is consistently lower than an infant's needs may contribute to inadequate nutrition, poor weight gain, or dehydration, while intake above current needs may be considered in the context of rapid weight gain or other clinical findings. Interpretation depends on the infant's age, health, growth pattern, feeding method, and the measurement period. This assessment should be reviewed with a clinician rather than interpreted from a single feeding alone.
Short name
Breast milk or formula intake
Frequently asked questions
Is this a blood test?
Do I need to measure every feeding exactly?
What if my baby is breastfeeding directly?
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