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: Surfactant Albumin (Amniotic Fluid)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

: This test measures how much albumin, a common blood protein, is present in amniotic fluid. It is sometimes used as part of assessing fetal lung maturity before birth.

Quick summary

[": Surfactant albumin testing of amniotic fluid is one of several tools clinicians may use to estimate whether a baby's lungs are ready for delivery."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
30562-3
Short code
Surfactant/Alb Amn
Synonyms
Surfactant/Alb Amn
Category
chemistry
Sample
fluid
Container
Sterile tube
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
86430
Specimen volume
2-5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max
300
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

: What This Test Measures

: Albumin is a protein normally found in the blood. In amniotic fluid, the amount of albumin relative to other proteins can shift as pregnancy progresses and as the fetal lungs mature. This test measures the albumin level in a sample of amniotic fluid.

: Why It May Be Ordered

: Your healthcare provider may order this test when there is a question about fetal lung maturity, often when early delivery is being considered. It is typically interpreted alongside other tests and the overall clinical picture, not on its own.

: How the Sample Is Collected

: The test requires a sample of amniotic fluid, which is usually obtained through a procedure called amniocentesis. A trained clinician collects a small amount of fluid using a thin needle guided by ultrasound.

: What the Results Mean

: Results are interpreted by your care team in the context of gestational age, other lung-maturity tests, and your individual situation. No single value should be read alone, and your provider will explain what your result means for your care.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

: Surfactant albumin in amniotic fluid is a laboratory marker that has been studied as an aid in evaluating fetal lung maturity. Its clinical usefulness depends on the laboratory method and the broader assessment. Because standards and cutoffs vary by laboratory, results should always be interpreted by the ordering clinician together with other findings.

Short name

: NONE

Frequently asked questions

: Is this test done from a blood sample?
: No. It requires a sample of amniotic fluid, typically collected by amniocentesis, rather than a routine blood draw.
: Does a normal result guarantee my baby's lungs are mature?
: No single test can guarantee lung maturity. Clinicians combine this result with other tests, gestational age, and clinical judgment when making decisions.
: Will I get a numeric reference range?
: Reference values vary by laboratory and method, so your provider or lab report will supply the appropriate reference information and explain how to interpret your specific result.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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