Why get tested? To screen for a liver disorder or kidney disease or to evaluate nutritional status, especially in hospitalized patients (prealbumin is sometimes used instead of albumin in this situation)
When to get tested? If your doctor thinks you have symptoms of a liver disorder or kidney disease, if you have a recent, rapid weight change, or prior to a planned surgery
Sample required? A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
This article was last reviewed on February 24, 2006.
This page was last modified on April 8, 2009.
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