Test Details
Methodology
Immunologic
Result Turnaround Time
2 - 3 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
α2-macroglobulin assay is of major significance in the differential diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome, where an elevated α2-macroglobulin:albumin ratio is indicative of postrenal hematuria. In patients with liver cirrhosis and diabetes, the level of α2-macroglobulin is found to be elevated.
Limitations
In hyperfibrinolytic states, after major surgery, in septicemia and severe hepatic insufficiency, the measured levels of α2-macroglobulin are often low. Patients with acute pancreatitis exhibit low serum concentrations that correlate with the severity of the disease.
References
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL (adult), 0.1 mL (pediatric)
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum from cells within 30 to 60 minutes after collection. Transfer specimen to a plastic transport tube.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | 3 days |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
Reference Range
110−276 mg/dL
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis (>1000 mg/dL); gross lipemia that cannot be cleared by ultracentrifugation
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 122135 | Alpha-2 Macroglobulins, Qn | 1835-8 | 122136 | Alpha-2 Macroglobulins, Qn | mg/dL | 1835-8 |
| Order Code | 122135 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Alpha-2 Macroglobulins, Qn | |||||
| Order Loinc | 1835-8 | |||||
| Result Code | 122136 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Alpha-2 Macroglobulins, Qn | |||||
| UofM | mg/dL | |||||
| Result LOINC | 1835-8 |