Prealbumin Test: Comprehensive Nutritional Status Assessment

Understanding the Prealbumin Test

The Prealbumin Test is a sophisticated diagnostic examination that plays a crucial role in evaluating your nutritional health and protein metabolism. Also known as transthyretin, prealbumin is a protein produced primarily by the liver that serves as an essential transport protein for thyroid hormones and vitamin A. What makes prealbumin particularly valuable in clinical practice is its short half-life of approximately 2-3 days, allowing healthcare providers to monitor recent changes in nutritional status with exceptional accuracy.

This test represents a cornerstone in nutritional assessment, providing real-time insights into your body’s protein reserves and metabolic health. Unlike other nutritional markers that may take weeks to show changes, prealbumin levels respond rapidly to nutritional interventions, making it an indispensable tool for monitoring treatment effectiveness and guiding clinical decisions.

What the Prealbumin Test Measures

The Prealbumin Test specifically measures the concentration of prealbumin protein in your blood serum. This measurement provides critical information about:

• Protein-Energy Nutritional Status: Assesses your body’s protein reserves and energy balance
• Hepatic Protein Synthesis: Evaluates liver function in producing essential proteins
• Recent Nutritional Changes: Detects alterations in nutritional intake within days
• Inflammatory Response: Helps differentiate between malnutrition and inflammation-related protein changes

Using advanced nephelometry methodology, our laboratory provides precise quantitative measurements of prealbumin levels, ensuring reliable results for clinical decision-making.

Who Should Consider Prealbumin Testing

Prealbumin testing is particularly valuable for individuals experiencing or at risk for nutritional challenges:

Clinical Indications Include:

• Patients with chronic illnesses affecting nutritional status
• Individuals undergoing major surgical procedures
• Those with eating disorders or inadequate dietary intake
• Patients with gastrointestinal disorders affecting nutrient absorption
• Individuals receiving nutritional support or therapy
• Patients with liver or kidney disease
• Those experiencing unexplained weight loss or muscle wasting
• Elderly individuals at risk for malnutrition

Symptoms That May Warrant Testing:

• Unintentional weight loss exceeding 5% of body weight
• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Muscle wasting or decreased muscle mass
• Poor wound healing
• Frequent infections due to compromised immunity
• Edema or fluid retention

Benefits of Prealbumin Testing

Undergoing Prealbumin testing offers numerous advantages for comprehensive health management:

• Early Detection: Identifies nutritional deficiencies before they become clinically apparent
• Treatment Monitoring: Tracks the effectiveness of nutritional interventions in real-time
• Risk Assessment: Helps predict complications related to poor nutritional status
• Personalized Care: Guides individualized nutritional therapy plans
• Cost-Effective Management: Prevents expensive hospitalizations through early intervention
• Improved Outcomes: Supports better recovery and health maintenance

Understanding Your Prealbumin Test Results

Interpreting your Prealbumin test results requires professional medical guidance, but here’s general information about what different levels might indicate:

Normal Range Interpretation:

• Normal Levels (15-35 mg/dL): Indicates adequate protein reserves and nutritional status
• Mild Deficiency (10-15 mg/dL): Suggests early nutritional compromise requiring monitoring
• Moderate Deficiency (5-10 mg/dL): Indicates significant protein depletion needing intervention
• Severe Deficiency (<5 mg/dL): Reflects critical malnutrition requiring immediate treatment

Factors Affecting Results:

• Recent dietary intake and nutritional status
• Liver function and protein synthesis capacity
• Inflammatory conditions (may lower prealbumin levels)
• Hydration status and fluid balance
• Certain medications and medical conditions

Your healthcare provider will consider these factors alongside your clinical presentation to develop an appropriate management plan.

Prealbumin Test Pricing and Details

Test Specifications:

• Turnaround Time: Results available within 2-3 weeks
• Sample Type: 2 mL (1 mL minimum) serum from 1 SST
• Shipping Requirements: Refrigerated or frozen transport
• Methodology: Nephelometry
• Specialty: Physician-ordered testing
• Department: OS (Outpatient Services)

Pre-Test Instructions:

A duly filled Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) is mandatory for all Prealbumin testing. Please ensure this documentation is completed accurately before your sample collection.

Nationwide Testing Availability

GGC DNA maintains comprehensive testing facilities across the United States, with convenient locations in all major metropolitan areas including:

• New York City and surrounding areas
• Los Angeles and Southern California
• Chicago and the Midwest region
• Houston and Texas locations
• Phoenix and Arizona facilities
• Miami and Florida centers
• And numerous other locations nationwide

Our extensive network ensures accessible, high-quality nutritional testing services for patients throughout the country.

Take Control of Your Nutritional Health Today

Don’t let nutritional concerns compromise your health and quality of life. The Prealbumin Test provides the critical insights needed to optimize your nutritional status and support overall wellness. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, recovering from illness, or simply monitoring your health proactively, this test offers valuable information for informed decision-making.

Ready to assess your nutritional status? Contact our dedicated healthcare team today to schedule your Prealbumin Test. Call us at +1(267) 388-9828 or book your appointment online. Our experienced staff will guide you through the testing process and ensure you receive the comprehensive care you deserve.

Take the first step toward better nutritional health with GGC DNA’s Prealbumin testing services. Your journey to optimal wellness begins with accurate assessment and personalized care.