Albumin
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-21 (EDT)
See Also | Lab Tests |
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Albumin is a major constituent of blood proteins. It is produced mainly in the liver, where it plays a major role in distributing water and serving as a transport protein for hormones and various drugs. It is also responsible for about 80% of the colloid-osmotic pressure between blood and tissue fluids.[1], [2] The albumin blood test is done to screen for liver disorders or kidney disease or to evaluate nutritional status.
Discussion
- Albumin levels are affected by digestive dysfunction
- A decreased albumin can be an indication of malnutrition, digestive dysfunction due to hydrochloric acid need, or liver dysfunction
- The lack of available essential amino acids such as tryptophan can cause malnutrition and a decreased albumin level in the serum.
Patient Preparation
- No preparation or fasting is required for this test.
- Factors which can cause increased levels
- Factors which can cause decreased levels
- excessive hemolysis when sample is taken while lying down
Clinical Implications
Ranges The following are the reference ranges for this lab. However, lab ranges can vary by laboratory and country. [2]
Standard U.S. Units | Standard International Units | |
---|---|---|
Conventional Laboratory Range | 3.5-5.5 g/dL | 35-55 g/L |
Optimal Range | 4.0-5.0 g/dL | 40-50 g/L |
Alarm Ranges | < 4.0 g/dL | < 40 g/L |
High levels indicate:
- Dehydration
- Other conditions: hypothyroidism, adrenal hypofunction
Low levels indicate:
- Hypochlorhydria
- Liver Dysfunctions such as cirrhosis
- Kidney Disease
- Inflammation
- Crohn's Disease
- Celiac Disease
- Oxidative stress and excess free radical activity
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Pregnancy
- Other conditions: immune insufficiency, protein malnutrition, hyperthyroidism, B12/Folate deficiency anemia, hemorrhage, ascites, alcoholism, hypocalcemia
Associated Tests
- Albumin/globulin ratio, total protein, total globulin, protein electrophoresis, Liver Function Tests, WBC and differential, alpha 1 glycoproteins, CEA and other tests used to confirm neoplasm, Urinalysis, creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
References
- ↑ Pagana Kathleen D, Pagana Timothy J, (1998) Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests. Mosby Inc
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Weatherby Dicken, Ferguson Scott. (2002) Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis: Clinical Laboratory Testing from a Functional Perspective, Bear Mountain