Albumin and Albumin/Globulin Ratio

General

Core Lab Study

Synonym/Acronym:
alb, A/G ratio, AGR.

Rationale
A multipurpose study used to assess liver or kidney function and nutritional status.

This Core Lab Study is included in the liver function test (LFT) panel and in the comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). LFTs are used to identify liver disease, assess severity of injury, or monitor disease process and response to treatment. CMPs are used as a general health screen to identify or monitor conditions such as bone disease, diabetes, electrolyte imbalance, hypertension, kidney disease, liver disease, or malnutrition.

Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, activity, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction.

Normal Findings
(Method: Spectrophotometry).

AgeConventional UnitsSI Units (Conventional Units × 10)
Newborn2.6–3.6 g/dL26–36 g/L
Child3.4–5.2 g/dL34–42 g/L
Adult3.7–5.1 g/dL37–51 g/L
Pregnant female (first trimester)3.1–5.1 g/dL31–51 g/L
Pregnant female (second trimester)2.6–4.5 g/dL26–45 g/L
Pregnant female (third trimester)2.3–4.2 g/dL23–42 g/L
Older Adult3.2–4.6 g/dL32–46 g/L
Greater than 90 yr2.9–4.5 g/dL29–45 g/L
Normally, the A/G ratio is greater than 1. Albumin levels are affected by posture. Results from specimens collected in an upright posture are higher than results from specimens collected in a supine position.

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A

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