Prealbumin

Also known as: PA; Tryptophan-rich prealbumin; Thyroxine-binding prealbumin; TBPA

Formal name: Transthyretin test

Related tests: Albumin; Transferrin

At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To help diagnose malnutrition and to monitor people at risk for poor nutrition

When to Get Tested?

When your doctor suspects that you are malnourished because of poor diet, HIV, or an eating disorder; when you are admitted to the hospital for surgery or certain diseases; or when you are having (for example, ) nutrition or

Sample Required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm

Test Preparation Needed?

None

This article was last reviewed on September 22, 2009. | This page was last modified on March 6, 2010.

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