Prealbumin Blood Test
Reviewed
Also called: thyroxine binding prealbumin, PA, transthyretin test, transthyretin, tryptophan-rich prealbumin
This test measures prealbumin, a protein made in the liver. Low levels may suggest malnutrition, but can also be caused by inflammation, infection, or injury. Many experts now question its use for assessing nutrition. Your provider will interpret results and may order additional tests.
Specimen: blood
Why this test may be ordered
- To help diagnose and monitor nutritional health problems
- Before surgery
- If you have symptoms of malnutrition such as weight loss, weakness, dizziness, dry skin, brittle hair, feeling cold, or aching joints
Preparation and collection
No special preparation is needed. Tell your provider about all medicines you take, but do not stop any unless instructed.
blood draw
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the needle site, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
Prealbumin levels are measured in your blood. Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider, as reference ranges may vary. The following patterns are based on the information provided by MedlinePlus.
- Lower than normal: Lower than normal prealbumin level Limitation: Low prealbumin may be due to malnutrition, inflammation, trauma, serious illness, liver disease, infection, hyperthyroidism, or digestive diseases. If you are ill or recovering from surgery, the cause may be unclear. Next step: prompt
- Higher than normal: Higher than normal prealbumin level Limitation: High prealbumin may occur with Hodgkin disease, kidney failure, alcohol use disorder, or high-dose corticosteroid therapy. This test is not used to diagnose or monitor these conditions. Next step: prompt
- Low prealbumin may be caused by inflammation, infection, or injury rather than malnutrition.
- Many experts now believe this test should not be used to measure nutrition levels or test for malnutrition.
- Abnormal results do not always mean you have a condition that needs treatment; pregnancy and certain medicines can affect levels.
- More research is needed to understand what abnormal results may mean.
What to do next
Your healthcare provider will interpret your prealbumin level in the context of your overall health and may order additional tests to determine the cause of abnormal results.
- What might be causing my prealbumin level to be low or high?
- Do I need additional tests to check my nutritional health or other conditions?
- How often should I have this test repeated?