A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Prealbumin
Test CodeCPT Codes
84134
Preferred Specimen
Green
Minimum Volume
Other Acceptable Specimens
Transport Container
Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube
Transport Temperature
Specimen Stability
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Methodology
Photometric
Setup Schedule
Daily upon receipt
Report Available
Reference Range
17.6 - 36.0 mg/dL
Clinical Significance
Prealbumin (thyroxin-binding prealbumin, transthyretin) transports the thyroid hormones thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). It also transports vitamin A in association with retinol binding globulin. Prealbumin is a negative acute-phase reactant with decreased levels found in inflammation, malignancy, cirrhosis of the liver, and protein-wasting diseases of the gut or kidneys. Increased concentrations can be seen in Hodgkin’s disease or a prealbumin-producing tumor. Prealbumin is a sensitive indicator of nutritional status due to its short half-life, high tryptophan content, high proportion of essential-to-nonessential amino acids, and small pool size.