Protein or Calorie Malnutrition or Risk for Malnutrition — Last 7 Days
A nutrition assessment that identifies low protein or calorie intake and whether a person is at risk for malnutrition based on the previous 7 days.
This assessment helps identify low protein or calorie intake and signs of malnutrition risk.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54816-4
- Short code
- PROTEINORCALORIEMALNUTRITIONORATRISKFORMALNUTRITIONINLAST7D
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mdsv
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This is a nutrition assessment that looks for evidence of protein or calorie malnutrition, or risk for it, during the previous 7 days. It generally uses information about food intake, weight change, and other clinical factors rather than a single blood measurement.
Why might I need this test?
It may be used during hospitalization, rehabilitation, home health care, or other periods of illness or reduced food intake. The results can help determine whether a nutrition evaluation or additional support is needed.
How is the test performed?
A clinician or dietitian reviews recent food and fluid intake, weight changes, ability to eat, and other factors affecting nutrition. The information is then used to determine whether malnutrition is present or may be developing.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required. Be ready to describe what and how much you have eaten, any recent weight changes, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and any conditions that may affect your appetite or ability to obtain food.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A result suggesting malnutrition or malnutrition risk may be associated with inadequate protein or calorie intake, unintentional weight loss, or difficulty eating. It does not identify the cause by itself, so follow-up with a clinician or registered dietitian may be needed to confirm the finding and recommend a plan.
Short name
Malnutrition Risk Assessment
Frequently asked questions
Does this test use a blood sample?
What does the 7-day period mean?
What should I do if I am at risk for malnutrition?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy