Diagnostic Blood Test:

• Prealbumin

Prealbumin (Transthyretin) is functional in transporting T4 and T3. It is a negative acute phase reactant. It has diagnostic utility in evaluating protein malnutrition, total parenteral nutrition, and liver dysfunction. Values are decreased in inflammatory processes, malignancy, protein malnutrition, and protein-wasting diseases of the gut or kidney. Values are increased in Hodgkin's disease.