Why get tested?
To diagnose patients with malnutrition and to monitor patients at risk for poor nutrition

When to get tested?
If your doctor suspects you are malnourished, because of poor diet, HIV, or an eating disorder, if you are about to be admitted to the hospital for surgery, if are hospitalized with certain diseases, or if you are having parenteral (for example, intravenous) nutrition or hemodialysis

Sample required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm