Sign in →

Test Code LAB115 Prealbumin

Clinical System Name

Prealbumin

Synonyms

Transthyretin

PREALB

LAB115

Sample Requirements

Specimen:  Whole Blood

Container(s): Lt. Green/Mint Top Lithium Heparin, Lt. Green/Lithium Heparin Microtainer, Gold SST, Gold Microtainer, Dark Green/Sodium Heparin, Red

Preferred Vol: 1.0 mL

Minimum Vol: 0.5 mL

 

Note: A fasting sample is preferable. Method is affected by patient not fasting, lipemia, and EDTA. Not affected by hemolysis, icterus, or heparin. Can assay Prealbumin and RBP on the same sample.

Processing Instructions

Reject due to: Insufficient Quantity, Age of Specimen

Spin: Y

Aliquot: Y

Storage location:  Core Chemistry Refrigerator

 

Off-site collection:  A fasting sample is preferable. Specimen should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Spin blood and transfer serum or plasma to plastic tube and refrigerate. Do NOT freeze.

Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum or Plasma RT

≤ 24 h
Serum or Plasma 2-4 C

≤ 14 d
  -20 C or -70 C

N

Availability

STAT Performed TAT
Y 24/7 1 h

Performing Laboratory

Seattle Children's Laboratory    

Department

Department:  Core Chemistry

Phone Number: 206-987-2617 (Client Services)

CPT Codes

84134

Methodology

Method: Nephelometry by Vitros 4600

Analytical Volume:  0.02 mL + 0.03 mL dead space

Reference Range

  mg/dL
0 - 2 w 10 - 13 
2 w - 6 y 13 - 25
6 y - 16 y 16 - 28
16 y - Adult   18 - 45

Premature newborns are expected to have a lower prealbumin level than full term newborns.

Description

Prealbumin (thyroxin-binding prealbumin, transthyretin) transports the thyroid hormones thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), as well as Vitamin A. Prealbumin is a negative acute-phase reactant with decreased levels found in inflammation, malignancy, cirrhosis of the liver, and protein-wasting diseases of the gut or kidneys. Increased concentrations can be seen in Hodgkin’s disease or a prealbumin-producing tumor. Prealbumin may also be used as a sensitive indicator of nutritional status.