Prealbumin

Diagnostic Use

Prealbumin is a short term indicator of protein nutritional status (especially in premature infants, cancer or surgical patients).

Prealbumin is also a negative acute phase reactant. Synthesis of prealbumin may be decreased resuting in a fall of prealbumin in serum in the following situations:

•Inflammation
•Malignancy
•Cirrhosis of the liver
•Potein losing gastro-enteropathies
•Malnutrition

Department

Protein Lab

Delphic Registration Code

PRAL

Synonyms

Pre Alb
Transthyretin

Turnaround Time

3 days

Test Code

3221

Specimen Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Acceptable

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.25

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Acceptable

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.50

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.25

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.25

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Interpretation

A low serum prealbumin may indicate a failure of the hepatic synthesis of the protein, which may result from:

•malnutrition
•inflammation
•hepatic injury
•protein losing gastro-enteropathies

The short half-life of prealbumin (2-2.5 days) makes it a useful inidicator for monitoring nutritional status, especially when parenteral nutrition is being administered.

Prealbumin is not affected by hydration status.

Reference Intervals

0.2 – 0.3 g/L

Test Method

Nephelometric immunoassay on Siemens BNII.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$44.29 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

3221

Contact Information

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