Serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG)

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Testing Laboratories

Waitematā | Northshore Hospital
Waitematā | Waitakere Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

SALB and OALB

Test Code (Numeric Code)

0109.0509

Laboratory Handling

Sample Stability

24 hours

Associated Tests

Synonyms

SAAG

Turnaround Time

4 hours

Specimen Type

  • Aspirate
  • Plasma
  • Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Specimen Container
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
Acceptable
  • Specimen Container
  • Plain (Red Top)
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

7

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

4

No of Samples Required

2

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Heparin (Microtainer)
  • Specimen Container
Acceptable
  • Plain(Microtainer)
  • Specimen Container
  • SST(Microtainer)
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

3

Pre-testing Requirements

Collect Ascites fluid into sterile bottles/pots.

Additional Specimen Information

Ideally bloods are taken the same time as the Ascites fluid. Both bloods and Ascites fluid are required for this test.

Last updated: 18/06/2026