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HelpTest ID: PALB Prealbumin, Serum
Reporting Name
Prealbumin (PAB), SUseful For
Assessing nutritional status, especially in monitoring the response to nutritional support in the acutely ill patient
Clinical Information
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.
Interpretation
Results below the reference intervals for adults and pediatric patients may suggest protein depletion.
Clinical correlation recommended with patient status and other nutritional markers.
Report Available
1 to 3 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Clinical Reference
1. Haider M, Haider SQ: Assessment of protein-calorie malnutrition. Clin Chem 1984;30:1286-1299
2. Grant JP, Custer PB, Thurlow J: Current techniques of nutritional assessment. Surg Clin North Am 1981;61:437-463
3. Bernstein LH, Leukhardt-Fairfield CJ, Pleban W, et al: Usefulness of data on albumin and prealbumin concentrations in determining effectiveness of nutritional support. Clin Chem 1989;35:271-274
4. Kanakoudi F, Drossou V, Tzimouli V, et al: Serum concentrations of 10 acute-phase proteins in healthy term and pre-term infants from birth to age 6 months. Clin Chem 1995;41:605-608
5. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. Sixth edition. Edited by N Rafai, AR Horvath, CT Wittwer. Elsevier, 2018
Method Name
Nephelometry
Specimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
This is an immunologic protein measurement. For thyroxine-binding measurement of prealbumin, see TBPE / Thyroxine-Binding Protein Electrophoresis, Serum.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Frozen | 28 days | ||
| Ambient | 14 days |
Reference Values
≤18 years: 12-32 mg/dL
>18 years: 19-38 mg/dL
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
84134
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| PALB | Prealbumin (PAB), S | 46130-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| PALB | Prealbumin (PAB), S | 46130-1 |
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