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HelpTest Code LAB196 Protein, Pleural Fluid
Performing Laboratory
St. Louis Children's Hospital Laboratory - Chemistry
Specimen Requirements
Patient Preparation: None
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Plain, red-top tube
Acceptable: Syringe or sterile screw-capped plastic container
Submission Container/Tube: If specimen is coming from outside facility forwarad at ambient temperature promptly
Specimen Collection Volume: 1.0 mL (minimum 0.3 mL)
Special Instructions: Forward specimen to lab promptly at ambient temperature.
SPECIMEN SOURCE IS REQUIRED FOR PROCESSING
Sample Rejection
Mislabled or unlabeled specimens
Logistics
Test Availability: Monday-Sunday
Cut-off time: None, performed as received
Turnaround Time: Same Day; 2 hours from receipt in performing lab
Reference Values
Reference Interval: No established reference values
Critical Value: None established
Methodology
Colorimetric
Specimen type is not approved for use in this method by the FDA. Analytical characteristics and clinical utility have not been established
Limitations
- NA
Additional Information
FOR SLCH CORE LABORATORY USE ONLY
Lab Processing Instructions: Centrifuge to separate and aliquot sample into a Roche false-bottom tube for testing (labeling aliquot with specimen type).
Processed Volume: minimum 0.3 mL pleural fluid
Analyte Stability:
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pleural Fluid (unprocessed) | Ambient | NA |
| Pleural Fluid (processed) | Refrigerated (preferred) | 6 days |
| Ambient | NA | |
| Frozen | NA |
Make sure specimen fluid type is pleural fluid. All other fluid types should go to BJS for testing
Test Classification and CPT Code
81455
LOINC
2881-1
Last Reviewed
06/2025