First, the laboratory tests predictive of mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 represent the combination of acute inflammatory response (as indicated by CRP, white blood cell, lymphocyte, and neutrophil count) and underlying physiological function as well as the acute response of critical organ systems (general nutritional status as indicated by albumin, renal function as indicated by creatinine, and hepatic function as indicated by AST, ALT, and bilirubin). The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is COVID-19.