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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 





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