Prealbumin Test
Also known as: Transthyretin Test, Prealbumin Blood Test
Prealbumin Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹12,000. Uses Nephelometry on Serum samples. Results in 2-3 weeks. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Pasupathy Arumugam
Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
To evaluate nutritional status, monitor effectiveness of nutritional therapy, and aid in diagnosing conditions like malnutrition, liver disease, and acute inflammation.
- Test Code
- 1385
- Price
- ₹12,000
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- 2-3 weeks
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Nephelometry
Sample Collection
No special preparation required. Ensure the Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) is duly filled.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm by a trained phlebotomist.
Report Delivery
Apply pressure to the puncture site to prevent bleeding. Resume normal activities unless advised otherwise.
Timeline: 2-3 weeks
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
To evaluate nutritional status, monitor effectiveness of nutritional therapy, and aid in diagnosing conditions like malnutrition, liver disease, and acute inflammation.
How to Prepare
- Duly filled Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) is mandatory.
- Sample type: 2 mL serum from SST.
- Ship refrigerated or frozen.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"Prealbumin is a valuable marker for nutritional status and inflammatory conditions. It helps in diagnosing malnutrition and monitoring response to nutritional therapy, especially in chronic illnesses."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Hemolyzed sample
- Insufficient volume
- Improperly labeled sample
Understanding Your Results
May indicate malnutrition, liver disease, acute inflammation, or protein deficiency.
Level: Low (below 15 mg/dL)
Suggests adequate nutritional status and normal liver function.
Level: Normal (15-36 mg/dL)
Rare; may be seen in certain conditions like chronic kidney disease or dehydration, but often not clinically significant.
Level: High (above 36 mg/dL)
If your prealbumin levels are abnormal, or if you experience symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or swelling, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Limitations
- ⚠Not specific for malnutrition alone; should be interpreted with clinical context and other tests.
- ⚠Levels may decrease in inflammation independent of nutrition.
- ⚠Not suitable as a standalone diagnostic tool.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or pain at the blood draw site
- ●Rare risk of infection or excessive bleeding
Interfering Factors
- ●Acute inflammation
- ●Liver disease
- ●Renal impairment
- ●Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids)
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Prealbumin Test | Albumin Test | Transferrin Test | C-Reactive Protein (CRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Prealbumin Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a prealbumin test?
Why is the prealbumin test done?
What are normal prealbumin levels?
What does a low prealbumin level indicate?
How is the prealbumin test performed?
Is fasting required for the prealbumin test?
What are the risks of the prealbumin test?
How long does it take to get prealbumin test results?
Can prealbumin levels be affected by other conditions?
How is the prealbumin test different from the albumin test?
What should I do if my prealbumin levels are low?
Where can I get a prealbumin test in India?
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