Prealbumin

Prealbumin may reflect things like inflammation, infections and trauma more accurately than malnutrition.

Prealbumin is one of the principal proteins that is found in the blood. It is produced in the liver and its main function is to act as a transporter protein for thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, and vitamin A. This test was commonly used as a marker for malnutrition, specifically to diagnose protein-calorie malnutrition. However, recent studies have shown that levels of this protein may actually reflect things like inflammation, infections and trauma more accurately than malnutrition.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Signs and symptoms of malnutrition
• At risk for malnutrition
• Receiving parenteral nutrition
• If undergoing hemodialysis
• Determination of the severity of a patient’s illness
• Suspected inflammation

Also Known As: Transthyretin