Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required.
- Turnaround: 1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of prealbumin (also known as transthyretin) in your blood. Prealbumin is a protein made mainly by the liver, and it plays a role in transporting vitamin A and thyroxine (thyroid hormone) throughout the body. This test reports a directly measured concentration of prealbumin, giving you and your healthcare provider a snapshot of this specific protein level.
Prealbumin is commonly used as an indicator of nutritional status. Because prealbumin levels can shift in response to nutrition, illness, inflammation, and other conditions, this single measurement reflects the amount of this protein present, not a broader diagnosis or complete evaluation of your nutritional or overall health.
Benefits
- Measures your blood prealbumin (transthyretin) level directly.
- Helps assess nutritional status alongside other clinical information.
- Requires no special preparation before testing.
- Uses a simple blood sample for convenient collection.
- Provides results in a quick turnaround timeframe.
- Supports ongoing monitoring when used as directed by a provider.
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing possible signs of malnutrition, such as weight loss.
- Individuals with fatigue, weakness, or poor concentration.
- Those noticing slow-healing wounds or dry, brittle hair or skin.
- People with a history of chronic or severe illness or inflammation.
- Individuals wanting to check this nutrition-related protein marker.
- Anyone advised by a healthcare provider to monitor prealbumin levels.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures the level of prealbumin (transthyretin) in your blood. Prealbumin is produced mainly by the liver and helps transport vitamin A and thyroxine through the body. Measuring it may help a healthcare provider evaluate aspects of your nutritional status. This test does not diagnose any condition on its own, and it does not provide a complete evaluation of your nutrition, liver function, or overall health.
2. Who would benefit from this test?
People who want to check their prealbumin level as part of assessing nutritional status may benefit from this test. This includes those noticing signs like weight loss, fatigue, poor concentration, slow healing wounds, or changes in skin or hair. It may also interest people with a history of chronic illness, inflammation, or trauma who want to monitor this specific protein marker with their healthcare provider.
3. When should I order this test?
You may consider ordering this test if you are experiencing symptoms associated with malnutrition, such as weight loss, fatigue, dizziness, poor concentration, slow-healing wounds, dry skin, changes in skin pigmentation, dry or brittle hair, hair loss, feeling cold, or joint pain. This test can also be used for ongoing monitoring as recommended by your healthcare provider. It does not replace a full medical evaluation.
4. What does this test measure?
This test measures the concentration of prealbumin (transthyretin) in your blood, a protein made primarily by the liver that transports vitamin A and thyroxine. The result is a directly measured value, not a calculated one. This test uses a blood specimen and does not include other biomarkers, related tests, or additional specimen types. It reflects the amount of this specific protein, not a diagnosis of any underlying condition.
5. Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation is required for this test.
6. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 1-2 days. Results may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
7. How do I interpret the results?
The meaning of your prealbumin result depends on your individual health history, symptoms, medications, and other laboratory findings. Prealbumin levels can be affected by factors such as illness, inflammation, liver function, and overall nutritional intake. An abnormal result does not automatically confirm a specific condition, and a normal result does not rule one out. Your healthcare provider can help interpret this result alongside your broader clinical picture.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
8. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If your prealbumin result is outside the expected range, review the result with a qualified healthcare provider. They can consider your symptoms, medical history, and other factors to determine what the result may mean for you. Additional evaluation or testing may be considered if recommended by your provider. This result alone does not provide a complete clinical conclusion.
9. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider based on your individual health needs and goals. There is no fixed schedule for repeating this test, and your provider can advise whether and when monitoring your prealbumin level is appropriate for you.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required.
