Decubitus Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment (Serum Albumin and Other Biomarkers)
This test evaluates blood markers to help assess your risk of developing a pressure ulcer (bedsore) due to prolonged pressure on certain body areas, such as when lying down.
["Your blood results may help your healthcare team determine if you’re at higher risk for pressure ulcers and plan care to prevent them."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 36969-4
- Short code
- Deprecated Abd XR decubitus
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Abd XR decubitus
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- xr
- 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 This Test Measures
The test includes measurements of albumin in serum (a protein that helps maintain fluid balance in your body) and other biomarkers that may indicate overall health, inflammation, or nutritional status. These results help assess how well your body can recover from pressure-related damage.
Why It’s Done
Doctors may order this test for patients who are bedridden, immobile, or at high risk of pressure ulcers due to conditions like chronic illness, advanced age, or poor circulation. It helps guide decisions about skin care, positioning, and other preventive measures.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but the process is quick and usually painless.
What to Expect After the Test
After the blood draw, you can resume normal activities immediately. There may be mild bruising or soreness at the site, which should go away in a few days. Call your provider if you experience excessive pain or signs of infection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low albumin levels or other abnormal biomarkers may signal malnutrition, poor circulation, or chronic illness, increasing your risk of pressure ulcers. These results help healthcare teams tailor interventions like frequent repositioning, special mattresses, or nutritional support to reduce risk.
Frequently asked questions
Why was this test ordered?
What do my results mean?
Can I prevent pressure ulcers with this test alone?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy