Evaluate protein malnutrition, total parenteral nutrition, and liver dysfunction. Values are decreased in inflammatory processes, malignancy, protein malnutrition, and protein wasting diseases of the gut or kidney. Values are increased in Hodgkin's disease. Prealbumin is functional in transporting T4 and T3. It is a negative acute phase reactant and has a molecular mass of 54,000.
Heil W, Ehrhardt V. Reference Ranges for Adults and Children. Pre-Analytical Considerations. Rotkreuz, Switzerland: Roche Diagnostics Ltd; 2008:62.