Prealbumin Blood Test: Normal Range, Low and High Levels
The prealbumin blood test evaluates short-term nutritional status and protein availability in the body. The normal range is typically 15–36 mg/dL in adults. Low prealbumin levels suggest malnutrition, inflammation, or liver dysfunction, while high levels may indicate kidney disease or medication effects. This marker is important for monitoring acute health changes.
Contents
Result interpretation Prealbumin
What your result means based on common reference ranges
Prealbumin levels within 15–36 mg/dL indicate adequate protein intake and normal liver metabolic function.
Mildly elevated prealbumin levels may suggest early kidney dysfunction or corticosteroid medication effects on protein metabolism.
Significantly high prealbumin levels can indicate severe kidney failure or chronic alcohol-related liver stimulation.
Low prealbumin levels reflect malnutrition, inflammation, or liver disease affecting protein synthesis and metabolic balance.
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What is Prealbumin?
Prealbumin, also called transthyretin, is a liver-produced protein that transports thyroid hormones and vitamin A. Its short half-life (2–3 days) makes it a sensitive marker for recent nutritional changes compared to albumin. The prealbumin blood test is widely used in clinical settings to assess malnutrition, inflammation, and recovery from illness or surgery. Low levels are commonly linked to infection, liver disease, or protein deficiency, while elevated levels may reflect kidney dysfunction. Measuring prealbumin levels helps track treatment response and overall metabolic status.
Reference ranges
Causes of abnormal values
Causes of low Prealbumin
- • Malnutrition — insufficient protein intake reduces production
- • Inflammation or infection — liver shifts to acute-phase protein synthesis
- • Liver disease — impaired ability to produce proteins
- • Hyperthyroidism — increased protein breakdown rate
Causes of high Prealbumin
- • Kidney failure — reduced clearance leads to accumulation of prealbumin in blood
- • Corticosteroid use — stimulates liver protein production
- • Chronic alcohol use — increases hepatic protein synthesis activity
- • Hodgkin's disease — abnormal protein metabolism in lymphoma
- • High-dose testosterone — enhances anabolic protein synthesis in liver
- • Dehydration — artificially concentrates protein levels in blood
Prealbumin in combination with other markers
Possible symptoms
- •Unexplained weight loss or muscle wasting
- •Slow wound healing
- •Frequent infections
- •Edema in legs or abdomen
- •Fatigue and weakness
- •Hair thinning or brittle nails
When to see a doctor
Consult a doctor if prealbumin levels fall below 10 mg/dL or continue declining over time. Seek evaluation if low levels are combined with weight loss, fatigue, or signs of infection. Persistent abnormal results require investigation of nutritional status, liver, or kidney function.
What to do if abnormal
- Increase protein intake with balanced meals or supplements
- Monitor levels regularly every 3–7 days if abnormal
- Review medications such as steroids with a doctor
- Treat underlying inflammation or infection
- Consult a specialist for liver or kidney evaluation
The information on this page is intended for general understanding of test results and does not replace medical consultation. Accurate interpretation requires considering other blood markers and individual factors.
Content is based on medical literature and used within the PulseBook analytical system.
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