Prealbumin

Message

Performing Lab: Regions

Test Code

3106

Alias/See Also

Sunquest: PALB

CPT Codes
84134

Preferred Specimen

0.2 mL Serum separator (gold-top, red-top, red/gray-top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.1 mL

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature: 1 day
Refrigerated: 2 weeks
Frozen: Not Recommended

Methodology
Blanked Endpoint

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Same day.

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.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.