1. Introduction to Prealbumin

What is Prealbumin? Prealbumin, also known as transthyretin, is a plasma protein synthesized primarily by the liver. It serves as a transport protein for thyroxine (T4) and retinol (vitamin A) and is a sensitive marker of nutritional status due to its short half-life of approximately 2–3 days. Measuring serum prealbumin levels is used to assess protein-energy malnutrition, monitor nutritional interventions, and evaluate liver function or inflammatory states in clinical settings such as critical care, surgery, or chronic disease management.

2. What is a Prealbumin Unit Converter?

Definition: The Prealbumin Unit Converter converts serum prealbumin concentrations between various units, enabling standardization of laboratory results for clinical use.

Purpose: It assists clinicians and researchers in interpreting prealbumin levels across different measurement units (e.g., µmol/L to g/L), ensuring accurate assessment of nutritional status and liver function.

3. Importance of Prealbumin Unit Conversions

Converting prealbumin concentrations between units is critical for:

• Standardizing Results: Different labs report prealbumin in various units (e.g., g/L, mg/dL); conversion ensures consistency for diagnosis and monitoring.
• Clinical Diagnosis: Accurate conversions aid in assessing malnutrition, guiding nutritional therapy, and evaluating liver function or inflammatory conditions.
• Research and Collaboration: Enables comparison of prealbumin data across studies or institutions using different measurement standards.

4. Clinical Significance

Elevated Levels: High prealbumin levels (>30 mg/dL or >3.0 g/L) are uncommon but may indicate:

• Improved nutritional status or response to nutritional therapy.
• Hyperthyroidism or renal dysfunction (due to reduced clearance).
• Hodgkin’s lymphoma or other rare conditions.

Elevated levels are generally less clinically significant than low levels.

Low Levels: Low prealbumin levels (<15 mg/dL or <1.5 g/L) may indicate:

• Protein-energy malnutrition or inadequate nutritional intake.
• Liver dysfunction (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatitis).
• Acute inflammatory states or critical illness (e.g., sepsis, trauma).
• Malabsorption or protein-losing conditions (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease).

Low prealbumin is a sensitive marker of malnutrition or acute-phase response.

Normal Ranges:

• Adults: Typically 15–30 mg/dL (1.5–3.0 g/L or ~2.7–5.5 µmol/L, assuming a molecular weight of ~55 kDa).
• Children: Similar, but may vary slightly by age (e.g., 10–25 mg/dL).
• Values vary by lab, assay, and patient condition—consult a healthcare provider for interpretation.

5. Precautions

Interferences:

• Prealbumin levels are influenced by inflammation, infection, or stress, as it is a negative acute-phase reactant; levels may be falsely low in acute illness.
• Sample handling (e.g., proper storage, avoiding hemolysis) is critical to prevent protein degradation.
• Interpret prealbumin levels with other nutritional markers (e.g., albumin, transferrin), C-reactive protein (CRP), and clinical findings—consult a healthcare provider for accuracy.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why are there different units for prealbumin?
A: Different units reflect varying standards; µmol/L is the SI unit, while g/L and mg/dL are commonly used in clinical practice for protein measurements.

Q: What is a normal prealbumin level?
A: Normal serum prealbumin is typically 15–30 mg/dL (1.5–3.0 g/L or 2.7–5.5 µmol/L) in adults. Consult a healthcare provider for interpretation.

Q: Can this converter be used for other plasma proteins?
A: No, this converter is specific to prealbumin; other plasma proteins (e.g., albumin, transferrin) have different molecular weights and conversion factors—consult a healthcare provider for accuracy.