Prealbumin Blood Test

A prealbumin blood test measures prealbumin levels in your blood. Prealbumin is a protein that's made in your liver and is found in your blood. Prealbumin is used to make other proteins and helps carry thyroid hormones and vitamin A through your bloodstream.

It also helps control how your body uses energy. If your prealbumin levels are lower than normal, it may be a sign of malnutrition. Malnutrition is a condition where your body doesn't get enough of the nutrients that you need for good health, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Children with malnutrition may not grow and develop normally. Malnutrition can happen if you: Don't eat enough food; Eat enough, but don't eat healthy, nutritious foods; Have problems absorbing nutrients; Have an increased need for nutrients because of infection, a serious injury, cancer, recovery after surgery, or other conditions;

Why this test is done

Your health care provider may order a prealbumin test to help diagnose and monitor problems with your nutritional health if they think the test is still helpful for this. You may also need this test before surgery or if you have symptoms of malnutrition, such as:

• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Dry skin
• Dry, brittle hair and/or hair loss
• Feeling cold
• Aching joints

How to prepare

You don't need any special preparations for a prealbumin test. Certain medicines may affect the results of your test. Tell your provider about everything you take.

But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.

Sample type

Blood

Other names for this test

thyroxine binding prealbumin, PA, transthyretin test, transthyretin, tryptophan-rich prealbumin