Albumin

Albumin 

Synonym - Specimen - Reference -Method - Description - Interpretation 

Synonym : Alb , A/G ratio

Specimen: Serum or Plasma 

Reference Value : 3.4 - 4.8 g/dl 

Normally the albumin / globulin (A/G) ratio is greater than 1 

Method                  : Spectrophotometry 

Description 

Most of the body's total protein is a combination of albumin and globulin  . Albumin , the protein present in highest concentrations( 35 - 50 % of the total serum protein concentrations) , is the main transport protein in the body . 

Albumin also maintains plasma osmotic pressure . Albumin is synthesized by the liver . 

Interpretations 

Hyperalbuminemia 

There is no known disease process that causes an increase in albumin production , so that true hyperalbuminemia does not occur . An increase in albumin concentration may be seen with dehydration , but other serum proteins would also be increased . A:G ratio would be unchanged .

Hypoalbuminemia 

Could result from decreased synthesis or increase loss . Results in decreased A:G ratio if lost in excess of globulin  i.e hepatic insufficiency , glomerular  disease

1 - Decreased synthesis :

a- Intestinal malabsorption  or malnutrition 

b- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency 

c- Liver disease 

d- Acute or chronic inflammatory disease 

2 - Increased loss : 

a- Glomerulonephritis 

b- Protein-losing enteropathy  or intestinal parasites 

c- Exudative  skin disease ( burns or pyoderma) 

3 - Excessive breakdown 

a- Prolonged fever 

b- uncontrolled diabetes mellitus .

c - Thyrotoxicosis