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Prealbumin

Test Code
PRALB


Alias/See Also
Thyroxine-binding prealbumin, TBPA, Transthyretin


Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL plasma (0.5 mL minimum)


Transport Container
PST (light green top). Red top and SST also acceptable


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 8 hours, Refrigerated: 7 days, Frozen: 7 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Grossly hemolyzed specimens are unacceptable.


Report Available
24 hours


Reference Range
20 - 40 mg/dL


Clinical Significance
Prealbumin is synthesized in the liver and acts as a binding protein for thyroxin and retinol-binding protein. The serum concentration reflects the synthesis capacity of the liver and is markedly diminished in malnutrition and other conditions. Due to the short half life of approximately two days, prealbumin may be suitable for monitoring the nutritional status and efficacy of parenteral nutrition.




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.