What is the normal value of prealbumin? What should we pay attention to when checking albumin?

The normal value of prealbumin is the numerical value of protein concentration in plasma, which is used to diagnose malnutrition and liver dysfunction.

Normal reference range of prealbumin: The concentration of prealbumin (PA) in adults (transmission turbidimetry) is 250-400 mg/L (4.55-7.28 μmol/L), that in children is about half of that in adults, and increases sharply during puberty to reach adult levels. (The two units can be converted as mg/L×0.0182=μmol/L)

In addition to being a sensitive indicator of nutritional protein, prealbumin's blood concentration decreases in acute inflammation, malignancy, cirrhosis, or nephritis.

There are some things to note when checking prealbumin:

1. Fasting blood test. Before the test, you should inform the doctor in detail about the recent medications and physiological changes such as pregnancy.

2. On the day of blood collection, do not wear clothes with cuffs that are too small or too tight to avoid having your sleeves unable to be rolled up during blood collection or having hematoma in your arm due to tight sleeves after blood collection.

3. After blood collection, use a sterilized cotton swab to press the blood collection needle hole for 3-5 minutes. If local congestion, bleeding or other abnormal conditions occur, inform the doctor in time.