Order Code: C1543
ABN Requirement: No
Synonyms: Transthyretin, Thyroxine Binding Prealbumin
Specimen: Serum
Volume: 1.0 mL
Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Container: Gel-barrier tube (SST, Tiger Top)
Collection:
Serum:
- Collect and label sample according to standard protocols.
- Gently invert tube 5 times immediately after draw. DO NOT SHAKE.
- Let tube stand in a vertical position to allow blood to clot 30 minutes.
- Centrifuge for 10 minutes.
Transport: Store serum at 2-8°C after collection and ship the same day per packaging instructions provided with the Cleveland HeartLab shipping box.
Stability:
Ambient (15-25°C): 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C): 4 months
Deep Frozen (-70°C): 4 months
Causes for Rejection: Specimens other than serum; improper labeling; samples not stored properly; samples older than stability limits; grossly hemolyzed or lipemic specimens
Methodology: Immunoturbidimetric
Turn Around Time: 2 to 4 days
Reference Range:
| Age | mg/dL |
| ≤5 days | 6-21 |
| 6 days – 12 months | Not Established |
| 1-5 years | 14-30 |
| 6-9 years | 15-33 |
| 10-13 years | 20-26 |
| 14-17 years | 22-45 |
| Adult Males | 21-43 |
| Adult Females | 17-34 |
Clinical Significance: Prealbumin is decreased in protein-calorie malnutrition, liver disease, and acute inflammation. It may be used as an indicator of nutritional requirements and response to therapy during total parenteral nutrition and as a biochemical marker of nutrition adequacy in premature infants.
The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.