What information does protein indices provide about a client’s nutritional status?
Serum albumin, prealbumin and transferrin are the protein indices that reflect information about a client’s ability to synthesize protein. By examining each of these indices, the health care practitioner is provided with information relative to the client’s nutritional status. Serum albumin is the major protein in the plasma and is synthesized in the liver from amino acids. It affects fluid and electrolyte balance and helps to transport nutrients, hormones and medications in the body. Albumin has a long half life (21 days) in the body and in the context of protein synthesis provides an indicator of a client’s prolonged protein depletion. Low levels are usually seen in chronic malnutrition, liver disease and nephrosis. Pre-albumin levels provide a more reliable indicator of protein synthesis in acute conditions such as trauma or inflammation. It is has a shorter half life (2-3 days) and therefore provides more immediate information related to current protein status. Transferrin reflects
