Prealbumin Blood Test Test
A prealbumin blood test measures the level of prealbumin, a protein made in your liver. It helps carry thyroid hormones and vitamin A and controls how your body uses energy. Low levels may indicate malnutrition, inflammation, or illness, but the test is no longer widely used for nutrition assessment.
What this test measures
A prealbumin blood test measures prealbumin levels in your blood. Prealbumin is a protein made in your liver that helps carry thyroid hormones and vitamin A and controls how your body uses energy.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
Prealbumin levels that are higher than normal may happen with several conditions, including Hodgkin disease, kidney failure, alcohol use disorder (AUD), and high-dose corticosteroid therapy. However, prealbumin testing is not used to diagnose or monitor these conditions.
Lower-than-normal results
Prealbumin levels that are lower than normal may happen with malnutrition, inflammation, trauma (such as a burn injury), serious or long-term illness (such as cancer), liver disease, serious infection, hyperthyroidism, and certain digestive diseases.
Frequently asked questions
What is a prealbumin blood test?
A prealbumin blood test measures the level of prealbumin, a protein made in your liver that helps carry thyroid hormones and vitamin A and controls how your body uses energy.
Why might a healthcare provider order a prealbumin test?
Historically, it was used to check if you are getting enough nutrients, especially protein, or to monitor nutrition in hospitalized patients, those with serious illness, or those on dialysis or parenteral nutrition. However, many providers now believe it reflects inflammation rather than nutrition.
What does a low prealbumin level mean?
Low prealbumin levels can be a sign of malnutrition, inflammation, trauma, serious illness, liver disease, infection, hyperthyroidism, or certain digestive diseases.
What does a high prealbumin level mean?
High prealbumin levels may occur with Hodgkin disease, kidney failure, alcohol use disorder, or high-dose corticosteroid therapy. But the test is not used to diagnose these conditions.
Can pregnancy or medicines affect prealbumin levels?
Yes, pregnancy and certain medicines can affect your prealbumin levels. If you have questions about your results, talk with your provider.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Prealbumin Blood Test — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.