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HelpTest Code LAB2388 Breast Milk Creamatocrit
Clinical System Name
Breast Milk Creamatocrit
Synonyms
LAB2388
CCT
Breast Milk-Caloric Content
Caloric Content Human Milk
Creamatocrit, Breast Milk
Milk, Breast Caloric Content
Caloric Value Breast Milk
Sample Requirements
Specimen: Breast milk
Container(s): Sterile Screw-Capped Container
Preferred Vol: 1.0 mL
Minimum Vol: 0.5 mL
Note: Collect a "representative" sample of breast milk. Mix and send a minimum of 1.0 mL to the lab. This test is for the caloric content of human milk. The energy value is directly related to the fat content of the milk, which varies directly with the degree of breast emptying during lactation.
Processing Instructions
Reject due to: Age of Specimen
Spin: N
Aliquot: N
Storage location: Core 5 Chemistry Refrigerator
Off-site collection: Collect a "representative" sample of breast milk. Mix and send a minimum of 1.0 mL to the lab refrigerated or frozen.
Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Breast Milk | RT |
≤ 2 h |
| Breast Milk | 2-8 C |
≤ 14 d |
| Breast Milk | -20 C or -70 C |
≤ 30 d |
Availability
| STAT | Performed | TAT |
|---|---|---|
| Y | 24/7 | 1 h |
Performing Laboratory
Seattle Children's Laboratory
Department
Department: Core Chemistry
Phone Number: 206-987-2617 (Client Services)
CPT Codes
84999
Methodology
Method: Spun Creamatocrit on Damon/IEC Micro-Capillary Reader
Analytical Volume: 0.15 mL (2 spun Creamatocrit Capillary tubes)
Reference Range
| Energy |
| 50 - 85 kcal/dL breast milk |
Description
As breast milk is often expressed by various techniques (manual, hand pump, electric pump) and under a variety of emotional and dietary conditions for the mother, fat content may vary. The Creamatocrit may be useful in assessing the general nutritional adequacy of milk collected under these varying conditions. When expressed milk is used for feeding the newborn that is not able to suckle, Creamatocrit determinations will enable more accurate assessment of actual caloric intake by the infant. A complete sample of the milk expressed from at least one breast is required if the caloric value of the entire milk produced by a mother is to be ascertained. A Creamatocrit performed on a spot milk sample may not reflect the caloric value of that mother's milk.