: Prealbumin (Transthyretin) by Electrophoresis in Serum or Plasma

: What Is Prealbumin?

: Prealbumin, also known as transthyretin, is a protein produced mainly by the liver. It carries thyroid hormones and vitamin A in the blood. Because it has a short lifespan in the body compared with many other proteins, its level can change relatively quickly, which is why it has been studied as a marker of nutrition and liver function.

: How the Test Is Done

: A small blood sample is collected, usually from a vein in your arm, and the serum or plasma is separated for testing. The electrophoresis method separates proteins based on their physical properties to help identify and measure prealbumin. Your healthcare provider will tell you if any special preparation, such as fasting, is needed.

: What the Results Can Mean

: A prealbumin result is interpreted alongside your symptoms, other lab tests, and overall health. Levels can be affected by nutrition, inflammation, infection, liver disease, and kidney function, so a result outside the expected range does not by itself confirm a specific condition. Your care team will consider the whole picture rather than a single number.

: Important Limitations

: Prealbumin is not a perfect measure of nutrition. Because it behaves like an inflammatory marker, illness or infection can lower it even when nutrition is adequate. For this reason, it is generally used as one piece of information among many rather than as a definitive test for malnutrition.