| 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 CodePREALB - NCMC
CPT Codes
84134
Preferred Specimen
In-patient: 1 mL plasma from Green top (Lithium Heparin)
Out-patient: 1 mL serum from SST
Out-patient: 1 mL serum from SST
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
1 mL serum from Serum Gel or Red Top
Specimen Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
| Plasma Li Hep | Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Serum SST | Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Red Top – Separated* | Refrigerated | 7 days |
*Centrifuge and aliquot into a plastic vial.
Methodology
Nephelometry
Setup Schedule
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Report Available
Same day
Reference Range
20-40 mg/dL
Clinical Significance
Prealbumin is a tryptophan-rich protein which is synthesized in hepatocytes and has a molar mass of 55000 daltons. At a pH of 8.6, an electrophoretic band appears prior to albumin in a relative amount of < 2.5 % due to its greater rate of diffusion to the anode. Its function is to bind and transport low molecular weight retinol-binding proteins (molar mass of less than 21000 daltons), preventing their glomerular filtration. 30-50 % of circulating prealbumin is complexed by retinol-binding protein. Furthermore, it binds and transports thyroxine (T4), nevertheless its affinity to this hormone is less than that of thyroxine-binding globulin. Prealbumin has a short half-life of approximately 2 days. Accordingly, decreased hepatocellular synthesis caused by acute liver damage or dietary protein deficiency elicits a very rapid decrease in serum prealbumin levels. According to the literature, prealbumin can act as a negative acute phase reactant, with its concentration decreasing rapidly during inflammatory processes.
Performing Laboratory
North Colorado Medical Center Laboratory
