Prealbumin levels: what's normal, high and low
A protein with a short half-life — drops quickly when nutrition is inadequate. A sensitive nutrition marker.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Prealbumin is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 18.0 – 40.0 mg/dL. At TestWell it's $29.99 all-in as Prealbumin, results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mg/dL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 1–3 business days
- Price
- $29.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
Prealbumin Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 18.0 – 40.0 mg/dL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What your Prealbumin result may mean
Often reflects acute malnutrition, inflammation, or liver disease.
What a low Prealbumin means: causes, symptoms, next steps ↓Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
What does a high Prealbumin mean?
High prealbumin is uncommon and usually benign: corticosteroid or anabolic steroid use, kidney disease (reduced clearance), Hodgkin lymphoma and, occasionally, heavy alcohol use raise it. It is not a marker of over-nutrition and rarely needs follow-up on its own.
Common causes of a high Prealbumin
- Corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, oral contraceptives
- Chronic kidney disease
- Hodgkin lymphoma (rare)
- Alcohol use
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- None
What clinicians usually check next
- Kidney function; medication review
- No action if isolated and mild
Does high prealbumin mean I eat too much protein?
No. It reflects clearance and hormones more than intake. A mildly high value with normal kidney function needs nothing.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
What does a low Prealbumin mean?
Prealbumin (transthyretin) turns over in about two days, so a low level reflects the last week of nutrition — or, just as often, inflammation, because it is a negative acute-phase protein that falls whenever CRP rises. Liver disease, kidney protein loss and hyperthyroidism also lower it. Read with CRP: low prealbumin with a normal CRP points to inadequate protein-calorie intake; low with a high CRP points to illness.
Common causes of a low Prealbumin
- Protein-calorie malnutrition, poor intake for a week or more, eating disorders
- Acute or chronic inflammation, infection, surgery, trauma (CRP high)
- Liver disease (reduced synthesis)
- Nephrotic syndrome, protein-losing conditions
- Hyperthyroidism, zinc deficiency
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Weight loss, muscle wasting, poor wound healing
- Often none early
What clinicians usually check next
- CRP alongside — the interpretation depends on it
- Albumin, liver panel, kidney function, TSH
- Dietitian assessment; repeat weekly to track refeeding
Follow-up tests at TestWell: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ($26.99), TSH + Free T4 ($27.99), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ($26.99).
Why prealbumin instead of albumin?
Albumin's half-life is about 20 days, so it lags. Prealbumin responds within days, which makes it useful for tracking whether nutrition is improving — as long as inflammation is accounted for.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a Prealbumin test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Prealbumin is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Prealbumin | This marker only | $29.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Prealbumin: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $29.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $29.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $21.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Frequently asked
What does a high Prealbumin mean?
High prealbumin is uncommon and usually benign: corticosteroid or anabolic steroid use, kidney disease (reduced clearance), Hodgkin lymphoma and, occasionally, heavy alcohol use raise it. It is not a marker of over-nutrition and rarely needs follow-up on its own.
Does high prealbumin mean I eat too much protein?
No. It reflects clearance and hormones more than intake. A mildly high value with normal kidney function needs nothing.
What does a low Prealbumin mean?
Prealbumin (transthyretin) turns over in about two days, so a low level reflects the last week of nutrition — or, just as often, inflammation, because it is a negative acute-phase protein that falls whenever CRP rises. Liver disease, kidney protein loss and hyperthyroidism also lower it. Read with CRP: low prealbumin with a normal CRP points to inadequate protein-calorie intake; low with a high CRP points to illness.
Why prealbumin instead of albumin?
Albumin's half-life is about 20 days, so it lags. Prealbumin responds within days, which makes it useful for tracking whether nutrition is improving — as long as inflammation is accounted for.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my prealbumin?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get Prealbumin results?
Most Prealbumin results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a Prealbumin test cost?
Our Prealbumin starts at $29.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my Prealbumin test?
Fasting is not required for the Prealbumin test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my Prealbumin test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your prealbumin?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $29.99.