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