Specimen Preparation: Allow serum specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transport 1 mL serum. (Min: 0.2 mL)
Storage/Transport Temperature: Frozen
Unacceptable Conditions: Plasma. Specimens stored or transported at room temperature for more than 48 hours. Severely hemolyzed specimens
Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 4 months (Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference Interval:
0.0-26.2 ng/mL
Interpretive Data:
An elevated concentration of galectin-3 is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and adverse outcome in patients with heart failure. Medical management should rely on clinical findings.
Low risk: less than or equal to 17.8 ng/mL Intermediate risk: 17.9-25.9 ng/mL; Higher risk: Greater than 25.9 ng/mL.
