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 
