Name of the Procedure:

Prealbumin Test
(Also known as Transthyretin Test, Serum Prealbumin Test)

Summary

A Prealbumin test is a blood test that measures the levels of prealbumin, a protein made primarily by the liver. Prealbumin levels can help doctors assess a patient’s nutritional status and detect liver disease or other related conditions.

Purpose

Prealbumin levels reflect the body’s nutritional health. Low levels can indicate malnutrition, acute or chronic illness, or severe infections. The main goal of the test is to monitor nutritional status and effectiveness of nutritional therapies.

Indications

• Unexplained weight loss
• Poor dietary intake or eating disorders
• Symptoms of malnutrition, such as fatigue, muscle weakness
• Chronic diseases affecting nutrition absorption like Crohn’s disease
• Post-surgical or trauma recovery requiring nutritional support

Preparation

• Typically, no special preparation is needed.
• Inform the doctor about all medications, supplements, and underlying health conditions.

Procedure Description

1. A healthcare provider draws a blood sample, usually from a vein in the arm.
2. The venipuncture site is cleaned, and a needle is inserted to collect the blood.
3. The collected sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Duration

The blood draw takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

Setting

This procedure is typically performed in a hospital lab, outpatient clinic, or a primary care office.

Personnel

• Phlebotomist or nurse for drawing blood
• Laboratory technician for analyzing the blood sample
• Your doctor or nutritionist to interpret the results

Risks and Complications

• Minor bruising or discomfort at the puncture site
• Rare risk of infection at the puncture site

Benefits

• Early detection of nutritional deficiencies
• Better management and monitoring of chronic diseases
• Helps in diagnosing and treating liver conditions
• Results typically available within a few days

Recovery

• Minimal recovery time; patients can return to normal activities immediately
• Keep the puncture site clean and dry; apply pressure if bleeding persists

Alternatives

• Serum albumin test: A longer-lasting indicator of nutritional status
• Total protein test: Measures all proteins in the blood, not just prealbumin
• Dietary assessments and comprehensive nutrition panels

Patient Experience

• Mild discomfort during blood draw
• Minor soreness or bruising at the puncture site post-procedure
• Pain management typically not necessary as the discomfort is minimal