Description
A prealbumin test measures the amount of prealbumin in your blood to check for malnutrition, infection, inflammation, or other health problems.
What it's used for
- Malnutrition: A prealbumin test can help identify malnutrition, especially in people who are chronically ill, have had surgery, or are in the hospital.
- Infection or inflammation: A prealbumin test can help identify infection or inflammation.
- Trauma: A prealbumin test can help identify trauma, such as burns or multiple injuries.
- Protein replacement: A prealbumin test can help monitor how well protein replacement fluids or supplements are working.
- Heart failure: Low prealbumin levels are associated with poor outcomes in heart failure.
What it measures
- Prealbumin is a protein produced in the liver that helps transport hormones that regulate energy use.
- Prealbumin levels can indicate the severity of illness and predict patient recovery.
Fasting not required.
