Question: What Are Normal Albumin And Prealbumin Levels?
Characteristics of Plasma Protein in Use as Nutritional Markers
| Protein | Molar weight | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Albumin | 65,000 | 3.30 to 4.80 g per dL (33 to 48 g per L) |
| Transferrin | 76,000 | 0.16 to 0.36 g per dL (0.16 to 0.36 g per dL) |
| Prealbumin | 54,980 | 16.0 to 35.0 mg per dL (160 to 350 mg per L) |
What is normal prealbumin level?
The normal value for prealbumin is 15 to 35 mg/dl. A patient at nutritional risk should have blood drawn to check her prealbumin levels twice a week while she’s hospitalized.
What albumin level indicates malnutrition?
Serum prealbumin concentrations less than 10 mg/dL are associated with malnutrition [31]. The use of prealbumin has been advocated as a nutritional marker, particularly during refeeding and in the elderly [32].
What is the difference between prealbumin and albumin?
Prealbumin, also called transthyretin, is the precursor to albumin. Its half-life is 2 to 4 days, whereas the half-life of albumin is 20 to 22 days. Measuring prealbumin can help clinicians detect short-term impairment of energy intake and the effectiveness of nutritional support efforts.
What lab values show malnutrition?
IV. Lab Indicators of Malnutrition in Adults
- Serum Prealbumin <15 mg/dl. Best marker for Malnutrition. See Prealbumin for interpretation and monitoring.
- Serum Albumin <3.4 mg/dl.
- Serum Transferrin <200 mg/dl.
- Total Lymphocyte Count <1500/mm3.
- Total Cholesterol <160 mg/dl.
What is considered a low prealbumin level?
Physicians might consider obtaining prealbumin measurements in all patients who are at risk for protein malnutrition, including the elderly, those with an albumin level of less than 3.2 g per dL (32 g per L) and those with poor food intake.
What is a high prealbumin level?
High prealbumin scores may be a sign of long-term (chronic) kidney disease, steroid use, or alcoholism. Normal results for a prealbumin blood test are: Adults: 15 to 36 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 150 to 360 milligrams per liter (mg/L) Children: 20 to 40 mg/dL or 200 to 400 mg/L.
What do prealbumin levels indicate?
Prealbumin helps carry thyroid hormones and vitamin A through your bloodstream. It also helps regulate how your body uses energy. If your prealbumin levels are lower than normal, it may be a sign of malnutrition.
Is 2.9 albumin bad?
Albumin levels below 3.4 grams per deciliter (g/dL) are considered low. A range of health issues can cause hypoalbuminemia.
Why would prealbumin be high?
Anabolic steroids, androgens, prednisolone, and high-dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can increase prealbumin concentrations. Prealbumin levels can also be high in Hodgkin disease, kidney failure, iron deficiency, pregnancy, and with hyperactive adrenal glands.
What lab is the best indicator of nutritional status?
Serum proteins (albumin, transferrin, prealbumin, retinol-binding protein) are perhaps the most widely used laboratory measures of nutritional status. They are hepatically produced negative acute-phase reactants with reduced levels during systemic inflammation.
What is albumin a marker for?
Low Albumin as an Indicator of Malnutrition—Mixed Results. Historically, albumin has been used as a marker of nutritional status. Until recently, the assumption has been that nutritional intake would positively affect changes in albumin levels.
What is Hypoalbuminemia?
Hypoalbuminemia happens when you don’t have enough of the protein albumin in your bloodstream. Albumin is a protein that’s made in your liver. It’s an important protein in the plasma of your blood. Depending on your age, your body needs anywhere between 3.5 and 5.9 grams per deciliter (g/dL).
Should albumin and prealbumin be used as indicators for malnutrition?
According to the Academy’s Evidence Analysis Library, serum proteins such as albumin and prealbumin are not included as defining characteristics of malnutrition because evidence analysis shows that serum levels of these proteins do not change in response to changes in nutrient intake.
What are the 4 types of malnutrition?
There are 4 types of malnutrition, according to the World Health Organization. This includes deficiencies, stunting, being underweight, and wasting. Each type of malnutrition stems from a unique cause.
Why isn’t albumin or prealbumin considered a good indicator of malnutrition or nutritional status?
Albumin and prealbumin are very poor indicators of nutritional status. They lack sensitivity, specificity, and reliability. The majority of patients in acute and chronic care settings have underlying inflammatory conditions; disease or injury, subclinical or not. Inflammatory status is often not easy to appreciate.
