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Test Code A2M Alpha-2-Macroglobulin, Serum

Reporting Name

Alpha-2-Macroglobulin, S

Useful For

Evaluating patients with nephrotic syndrome and pancreatitis

Method Name

Nephelometry

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 21 days
  Frozen  28 days
  Ambient  72 hours

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus OK

Reference Values

≤18 years: 178-495 mg/dL

>18 years: 100-280 mg/dL

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

CPT Code Information

83883

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
A2M Alpha-2-Macroglobulin, S 1835-8

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
A2M Alpha-2-Macroglobulin, S 1835-8

Clinical Information

Alpha-2-macroglobulin is a protease inhibitor and is one of the largest plasma proteins. It transports hormones and enzymes, exhibits effector and inhibitor functions in the development of the lymphatic system, and inhibits components of the complement system and hemostasis system.

 

Increased levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin are found in nephrotic syndrome when lower molecular weight proteins are lost, but alpha-2-macroglobulin is retained because of its large size. In patients with liver cirrhosis and diabetes, the levels are found to be elevated.

 

Patients with acute pancreatitis exhibit low serum concentrations, which correlate with the severity of the disease. In hyperfibrinolytic states, after major surgery, in septicemia, and severe hepatic insufficiency, the measured levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin are often low. Acute myocardial infarction patients with low alpha-2-macroglobulin have been reported to have a significantly better prognosis with regard to the greater than a year survival time.

Specimen Retention Time

14 days

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728) with the specimen.