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Epic Test Code LAB115 Prealbumin

Performing Location

BMC

Specimen Type

Serum

Preferred Container

Gold or Red top tube

Blood Tube Draw Volume

Min 50% draw volume  

Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing

0.5 mL Serum

  • Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.  

Storage Requirements

Sample tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection followed by transfer of the serum (red) to a labeled plastic, aliquot tube.

Gold tops do not need to be aliquoted

See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.

Transportation Needs

Deliver specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection if unspun. If not possible see "storage Requirements". 

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes
> 7 days Refrigerated
>24 hours Room Temperature
> 2 months Frozen
Hemolysis > 500 mg/dL HgB
Lipemia > 225 mg/dL Trig
Bilirubin > 40 mg/dL Bili
> 8 hours old unprotected from light

 

Reference Values

Units Reference Range
mg/dL 17-34

 

Additional Information

Prealbumin is a tetrameric protein with a molecular weight of 54,000 Daltons. It functions as a transport protein for thyroxin and also transports vitamin A in the presence of retinol binding protein. It has one of the highest proportions of essential-to-nonessential amino acid ratios of any protein in the body.

 

Prealbumin has a small pool size and a short half-life in serum of two (2) days. These features make it a sensitive marker for protein malnutrition.

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

Yes

Methodology

Beckman AU/Dx Series

 

CPT Code

84134

Last Updated

27-NOV-24 MS