Useful For

Prealbumin (thyroxin-binding prealbumin, thransthyretin) transports the thyroid hormones thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).  It also transports vitamin A in association with retinol binding globulin.

Prealbumin is a negative acute-phase reactant with decreased levels found in inflammation, malignancy, cirrhosis of the liver, and protein-wasting diseases of the gut or kidneys. Increased concentrations can be seen in Hodgkin’s disease or a prealbumin-producing tumor.  Prealbumin is a sensitive indicator of nutritional status due to its short half-life, high tryptophan content, high proportion of essential-to-nonessential amino acids, and small pool size.