Test Overview
Clinical Utility
This test is used as a nutritional marker. Prealbumin is a transport protein for thyroxin synthesized in the liver. It has a half-life of 2 days, much shorter than that of albumin and is therefore a sensitive marker of nutritional status. Serum concentrations of prealbumin are not significantly affected by hydration status as is albumin. Like albumin, prealbumin is a negative acute phase reactant and its serum concentration decreases in inflammation, malignancy, liver cirrhosis and protein-losing diseases of the gut or kidneys.
Method
Turbidimetry
Result Included
Prealbumin
Aliases/Synonyms
Transthyretin
Specimen
Specimen Type
SerumVolume
Sample Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Specimen Comment
Gel-separator tubes are acceptable.
Pediatric
Volume
0 - 2 years: 0.5 mL Red top Microtainer; 2 - 10 years: 3 mL Red top Vacutainer tube
Minimum
0.15 mL
Collection & Handling
Collection Instructions
Fasting collection is recommended. Do not use chlorhexidine antiseptic swab to cleanse the skin, use an alcohol swab.
Handling Information
Separate serum from cells within 2 hours. Store and send frozen.
Stability
| Refrigerated | Frozen |
|---|---|
| 3 days | 6 months |
Performance & Interpretation
Turnaround Time
2 days
Results
-
Prealbuming/LAdult: 0.20 - 0.40
0 - <15 d: 0.00 - 0.11
15 days - <1 y: 0.04 - 0.24
1 - <5 y: 0.11 - 0.23
5 - <13 y: 0.13 - 0.26
13 - <16 y: 0.17 - 0.31
F, 16 - <19 y: 0.16 - 0.33
M, 16 - <19 y: 0.20 - 0.35
Test Version
Last Updated
2019-10-30