Prealbumin, Serum
Use
Prealbumin is synthesized in the liver and acts as a binding protein for thyroxine and retinol-binding protein. The serum concentration of prealbumin reflects the synthesis capacity of the liver and is markedly diminished in malnutrition and other conditions. Due to its short half-life of approximately 2 days, prealbumin can be used for monitoring the nutritional status and efficacy of parenteral nutrition. It is especially useful in assessing nutritional status, particularly in monitoring the response to nutritional support in acutely ill patients.
Special Instructions
This is an immunologic protein measurement. For thyroxine-binding measurement of prealbumin, see TBPE / Thyroxine-Binding Protein Electrophoresis, Serum. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Limitations
Quantitation of specific proteins by nephelometric means may not be possible in lipemic sera due to the extreme light scattering properties of the specimen. Turbidity and particles in the specimen may result in extraneous light scattering signals, resulting in variable specimen analysis.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Nephelometry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 46130-1
- 46130-1
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |