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HelpTest Code PALB Prealbumin, Serum
Additional Codes
Sunquest: PALBM
EPIC: LAB115
Reporting Name
Prealbumin (PAB), SUseful For
Assessing nutritional status, especially in monitoring the response to nutritional support in the acutely ill patient
Method Name
Nephelometry
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
This is an immunologic protein measurement. For thyroxine-binding measurement of prealbumin, see TBPE / Thyroxine-Binding Protein Electrophoresis, Serum.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Frozen | 28 days | ||
| Ambient | 14 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Reference Values
≤18 years: 12-32 mg/dL
>18 years: 19-38 mg/dL
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
CPT Code Information
84134
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| PALB | Prealbumin (PAB), S | 46130-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| PALB | Prealbumin (PAB), S | 46130-1 |
Clinical Information
Prealbumin is synthesized in the liver and acts as a binding protein for thyroxine and retinol-binding protein.
The serum concentration of prealbumin reflects the synthesis capacity of the liver and is markedly diminished in malnutrition and other conditions.
Due to its short half-life of approximately 2 days, prealbumin can be used for monitoring the nutritional status and efficacy of parenteral nutrition.