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Prealbumin (Transthyretin) Unit Converter
Prealbumin, also known as Transthyretin (TTR), is a carrier protein for retinol-binding protein and thyroxine. Because of its short half-life (approximately 2 days), it is traditionally used as a marker for recent nutritional status, although its levels are also significantly affected by inflammation.
Clinically, prealbumin levels help assess protein-energy malnutrition and monitor response to nutritional support. This converter facilitates switching between standard mass units (mg/dL, g/L) and SI molar units (μmol/L).
Mass Units
StandardMilligrams per deciliter (Commonly used in US).
SI / Molar Units
Clinical Context
Reference Range (Adults): Typically 15 – 35 mg/dL (150 – 350 mg/L).
Interpretation:
• Decreased Levels: Malnutrition, severe inflammation (negative acute phase reactant), liver damage, zinc deficiency.
• Increased Levels: Chronic kidney disease (due to decreased clearance), steroid use, high-dose NSAIDs.
Conversion Logic:
Molecular Weight of Transthyretin: ~55,000 Da (55 kDa).
1 mg/dL = 10 mg/L = 0.01 g/L.
1 mg/dL ≈ 0.1818 μmol/L.
Clinical References
How to Use This Converter
Follow these steps to normalize Prealbumin values.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., mg/dL).
Automatic Conversion
The calculator converts between standard mass units and SI units.
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prealbumin changes faster (half-life ~2 days) than albumin (half-life ~20 days), making it more sensitive to recent nutritional changes, but both are affected by inflammation.
It was named because it migrates ahead of albumin during electrophoresis. The more accurate name is Transthyretin.