Prealbumin Blood Test

Also Known As

PA, Thyroxine Binding Prealbumin, Transthyretin, Tryptophan-Rich Prealbumin

The Purpose of a Prealbumin Test

You are what you eat, but what if you’re not eating well? This means you’re not getting the nutrients your body needs, and you could be at risk of malnutrition. Taking a prealbumin lab test is one way to see if you are malnourished and need treatment. Low levels of this protein are a marker of this condition.

What Does the Prealbumin Lab Test Measure?

The test measures the amount of prealbumin that’s being produced by your liver.

Who Should Take a Transthyretin Blood Test?

You should take this test if you’re showing signs of malnutrition. For instance, prealbumin helps regulate how your body uses energy, so you may experience weakness or fatigue. Other symptoms include weight loss, chills, dizziness, and dry skin and hair. Other conditions that may require prealbumin testing include pregnancy, iron deficiency, kidney failure, or Hodgkin’s disease. It’s important to note that certain medications (such as anabolic steroids, birth control, and androgens) can cause prealbumin to fluctuate higher or lower than normal.

Drugs such as amiodarone, estrogens, and birth control pills can decrease prealbumin levels. Anabolic steroids, androgens, prednisolone, and high-dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can increase prealbumin concentrations.

Transthyretin Lab Test Preparation

No special preparation is required for a transthyretin blood test.

Prealbumin Blood Test Results

Normal levels for adults typically range from 16 to 30 mg/dL (or 160 to 300 mg/L on some tests).  Depending on the results, you may need to improve your diet, change your medication, or get further testing. If you need help determining your next move, we offer telehealth visits with one of our experienced, board-certified physicians.

Where Can I Get a Prealbumin Test Near Me?

Personalabs is your one-stop shop for liver, heart, hormone, and many other health tests. We empower you to take control of your healthcare decisions for a vibrant state of well-being:

Step 1: Purchase your test online and download the lab order. (You may not need to get approval from a physician beforehand, depending on the state where you live.)

Step 2: Find the location near you for testing. Personalabs gives you more than 4,000 Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics facilities to choose from across the country.

Step 3: Get your blood work done at the lab of your choice; be sure to bring the lab order with you.

Step 4: Get your results in your secure Personalabs portal within 2 to 10 business days. (Contact us if you need results by a specific date and we will work with the lab.)

Use our blood tests to get usable data that helps you take actionable steps toward good health. Shop our collection of 400-plus tests today.