Prealbumin(transthyretin) is the precursor of albumin. Its half life in serum is 2-4 days where albumin stays in the blood for 2-22 days. Prealbumin, helps carry Thyroid hormones and Vitamin A in the blood. A low level of albumin indicates malnutrition, liver disease or an inflamatory disease where low levels of prealbumin indicates infectious and chronic diseases related to the energy metabolism especially for children who do not grow and develop normally.
Interpretation: Low prealbumin levels are the indicator of chronic diseases, infections, inflammation, injury or burns, liver diseases. High levels may be the indicator of Hodgkin’s disease (a type of lymphoma), kidney problems.
Sample: Arm vein blood. Nonfasting
Working day: Everyday
Result Time: Next day 6:00 PM
