Pre AlbuminSerum

The pre-albumin serum test is a blood test that measures the levels of pre-albumin in the blood.

A prealbumin serum test is done for the following reasons:

1. To assess malnutrition: Prealbumin levels can help determine the severity of malnutrition in individuals. Malnutrition is a condition where there is a lack of proper nutrition due to inadequate food intake or absorption.
2. To monitor the effectiveness of nutritional therapy: Prealbumin levels can help assess if the nutritional therapy being given to the patient is effective or not.
3. To detect liver and kidney diseases: Prealbumin levels are affected by liver and kidney diseases. Therefore, a prealbumin serum test can help detect these diseases in their early stages.
4. To monitor the recovery of critically ill patients: Prealbumin levels can help assess the rate of recovery in critically ill patients, such as those in intensive care units (ICUs).
5. To assess the risk of mortality: Prealbumin levels have been found to be a good predictor of mortality risk in various patient populations.
6. To evaluate protein metabolism: Prealbumin is a protein synthesized in the liver, and its levels can reflect protein metabolism in the body. Therefore, a prealbumin serum test can help evaluate protein metabolism in individuals.

If the prealbumin serum test results are low, it may indicate malnutrition or a nutritional deficiency. Low prealbumin levels may also indicate liver dysfunction or inflammation. This may occur in individuals who are not getting enough nutrients from their diet or who have a medical condition that affects nutrient absorption, such as inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease. On the other hand, high levels of prealbumin may indicate inflammation or infection. Prealbumin levels can also be elevated in individuals who are receiving treatment for certain medical conditions, such as cancer or inflammatory disorders.

During the Prealbumin test, a healthcare professional will clean the area on your arm where the blood will be drawn and use a needle to collect a sample of your blood. You may feel a slight pinch or prick when the needle is inserted, but the procedure is generally quick and relatively painless.

Before the Prealbumin test, you may be asked to fast for a certain period of time, typically a few hours. It is always a good idea to inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may affect the test results. Always follow any instructions given by your doctor or healthcare provider.

Prealbumin Serum tests are typically ordered by doctors to evaluate a person's nutritional status, especially if they are at risk for malnutrition. The following groups of people may be at risk for malnutrition and may benefit from a Prealbumin Serum test:

1. Hospitalized patients: Prealbumin Serum tests are often ordered for hospitalized patients who are at risk for malnutrition due to illness, surgery, or other medical conditions.
2. Elderly patients: Older adults may be at risk for malnutrition due to poor appetite, dental problems, or other health issues.
3. Cancer patients: Cancer patients may be at risk for malnutrition due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other cancer treatments.
4. Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders: People with digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or Crohn's disease may have trouble absorbing nutrients from food.
5. Individuals with eating disorders: People with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia may be at risk for malnutrition due to restricted food intake.

Symptoms of malnutrition may include weight loss, fatigue, weakness, poor wound healing, and anemia. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms or is at risk for malnutrition, it may be beneficial to talk to a healthcare provider about the possibility of a Prealbumin Serum test.

Some common laboratory tests that may be ordered along with a prealbumin serum test include:

1. Albumin test: Albumin is another protein produced by the liver that is used as a marker of nutritional status. Low levels of albumin in the blood can also indicate malnutrition.
2. Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC is a blood test that measures the levels of different types of blood cells. It can provide information about anemia, infection, and other conditions that can affect nutritional status.
3. Electrolyte panel: An electrolyte panel measures the levels of different electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, in the blood. Electrolyte imbalances can affect nutritional status and may require treatment.
4. Liver function tests: Liver function tests measure the levels of different enzymes and proteins produced by the liver. Abnormal liver function can affect the production of prealbumin and other proteins that are important for nutritional status.
5. Thyroid function tests: Thyroid function tests measure the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. Thyroid hormone imbalances can affect metabolic rate and nutritional status.

1. Transthyretin (TTR) test
2. Thyroxine-binding prealbumin (TBPA) test
3. Prealbumin (PALB) test