- Prealbumin is a plasma protein synthesized by the liver. It is considered the best marker for malnutrition. It has a half-life of 2 days, so prealbumin levels change very quickly and reflect the person’s current nutritional status.
- The test is most often used to help in diagnosis of protein-calorie malnutrition.
- It is important to assess prealbumin levels in chronically ill patients, in high-risk hospitalized patients, and prior to many surgical procedures.
- Finding and correcting nutritional deficits can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.
- The test is also used to monitor the progress of patients who are receiving nutritional support such as parenteral nutrition.
- Normal Values : 16–35 mg/dL (160–350 g/L SI units)