Protein, Total and Albumin Most Popular

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The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Globulin, Protein Total and Albumin

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio

The ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) is calculated from measured albumin and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. A low A/G ratio may reflect overproduction of globulins, such as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, or underproduction of albumin, such as may occur with cirrhosis, or selective loss of albumin from the circulation, as may occur with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). A high A/G ratio suggests underproduction of immunoglobulins as may be seen in some genetic deficiencies and in some leukemias. More specific tests, such as liver enzyme tests and serum protein electrophoresis, must be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. With a low total protein that is due to plasma expansion (dilution of the blood), the A/G ratio will typically be normal because both albumin and globulin will be diluted to the same extent.

Globulin

Globulins is the collective term for most blood proteins other than albumin. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain disorders. Globulins are roughly divided into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulines include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.

Protein, Total

The total protein is the total amount of two classes of proteins, albumin and globulin that are found in the fluid portion of your blood. Proteins are important parts of all cells and tissues. Your albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and your globulins are an important part of your immune system.
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The Protein, Total and Albumin test contains 1 test with 4 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Protein Total and Albumin test is a laboratory analysis that measures the levels of total protein and albumin in a patient's blood. Total protein includes various types of proteins circulating in the blood, while albumin is a specific protein produced by the liver. This test provides valuable information about a person's nutritional status and overall health.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why a Protein Total and Albumin Test May Be Ordered:

Healthcare providers order this test as part of routine check-ups or when a patient exhibits symptoms suggesting malnutrition, liver or kidney dysfunction, or certain chronic diseases. It's also used to monitor the response to treatments or interventions.

What a Protein Total and Albumin Test Checks For:

The test measures both total protein and albumin levels in the blood. Albumin is a critical protein that helps maintain the oncotic pressure of blood, which prevents fluid from leaking out of blood vessels. Low albumin levels can indicate malnutrition, liver diseases, kidney disorders, or inflammatory conditions.

Other Lab Tests That May Be Ordered Alongside a Protein Total and Albumin Test:

When a Protein Total and Albumin test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of overall health, particularly of the liver and kidneys. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside them:

  1. Liver Function Test:

    • Purpose: To assess liver health.
    • Why Is It Ordered: The liver synthesizes albumin, so liver damage can lead to decreased albumin production. Other liver enzymes are also important indicators of liver health.

  2. Kidney Function Test:

    • Purpose: To evaluate kidney function.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Kidney disease can cause protein loss in the urine, affecting total protein and albumin levels in the blood.

  3. Microalbumin:

    • Purpose: To detect the presence of protein (especially albumin) in the urine.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To check for proteinuria, an early sign of kidney damage.

  4. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

    • Purpose: To evaluate overall blood health.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To assess for conditions like anemia, which can be associated with chronic diseases that affect protein levels.

  5. Electrolyte Panel:

    • Purpose: To measure key electrolytes in the blood.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Electrolyte imbalances can occur with kidney or liver disease and affect overall health.

  6. Prealbumin:

    • Purpose: To measure a protein that can be an indicator of nutritional status.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Prealbumin levels can provide additional information about acute changes in protein status, especially in hospital settings.

  7. C-Reactive Protein (CRP):

    • Purpose: To detect inflammation and monitor its severity.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Inflammatory processes can affect protein metabolism and levels.

These tests, when ordered alongside a Protein Total and Albumin test, provide a comprehensive view of the patient's nutritional status, liver and kidney function, and overall health. They are crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions affecting protein metabolism, such as liver disease, kidney disease, and malnutrition. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual's symptoms, medical history, and initial test results.

Conditions or Diseases That Would Require a Protein Total and Albumin Test:

  • Liver Disease: Liver conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis can lead to decreased albumin production, causing low protein levels.

  • Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function can lead to protein loss in urine, resulting in low protein levels in the blood.

  • Malnutrition: Inadequate dietary protein intake can lead to low total protein and albumin levels.

  • Inflammatory Disorders: Chronic inflammation can cause a decrease in albumin levels.

How Health Care Providers Use the Results of a Protein Total and Albumin Test:

  • Diagnosis: Abnormal protein levels can help diagnose conditions like liver or kidney disease.

  • Nutritional Assessment: Low albumin levels can indicate malnutrition or dietary deficiencies.

  • Monitoring Treatment: The test helps track the effectiveness of treatments for liver or kidney disorders.

  • Risk Assessment: Results aid in assessing a patient's risk for developing complications related to liver or kidney dysfunction.

In summary, the Protein Total and Albumin test plays a crucial role in assessing overall health, nutritional status, and organ function. Its results guide healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing various conditions, ensuring the best possible care for patients.

Most Common Questions About the Protein Total and Albumin test:

Purpose and Clinical Significance of the Protein Total and Albumin Test

What is the purpose of the Protein Total and Albumin test?

The Protein Total and Albumin test measures the total amount of protein and the level of albumin in the blood. This test helps in assessing liver and kidney function, nutrition status, and can identify certain underlying health conditions like liver disease or a malabsorptive disorder.

What conditions can be diagnosed or monitored using the Protein Total and Albumin test?

The test is instrumental in diagnosing or monitoring liver diseases (such as cirrhosis), kidney disorders (like nephrotic syndrome), malnutrition, chronic inflammatory diseases, and certain types of cancer.

Interpretation of the Protein Total and Albumin Test

How are the results of the Protein Total and Albumin test interpreted?

Results are evaluated by comparing the total protein and albumin levels with the standard reference range. Low albumin levels may indicate liver or kidney disease or malnutrition, while high total protein levels might suggest chronic inflammatory conditions or infections.

What are the normal reference ranges for the Protein Total and Albumin test?

Typical reference ranges for adults are:

  • Total protein: 6.1 - 8.1 g/dL
  • Albumin: 3.6 - 5.1 g/dL

What is the significance of the albumin-to-globulin (A/G) ratio in the Protein Total and Albumin test?

The A/G ratio compares the levels of albumin to globulins. An altered A/G ratio may indicate specific liver or kidney disorders, or immunological conditions. A low A/G ratio might be seen in autoimmune diseases, while a high ratio may indicate acute infections.

Occupational and Environmental Health Considerations

How is the Protein Total and Albumin test used in the context of occupational and environmental health?

The Protein Total and Albumin test can be part of routine health screenings in occupational settings, especially where workers might be exposed to hepatotoxic substances or conditions that might affect nutritional status.

Miscellaneous Questions about the Protein Total and Albumin Test

Can the Protein Total and Albumin test be used as a follow-up or confirmatory test for other diagnostic procedures?

Yes, the Protein Total and Albumin test might be used in conjunction with other liver function tests or kidney function tests to confirm or evaluate the extent of a specific condition.

How often should the Protein Total and Albumin test be repeated if necessary?

The frequency of retesting depends on the underlying condition being monitored and the clinical judgement of the healthcare provider. In chronic liver or kidney disease, regular monitoring might be required.

How is the Protein Total and Albumin test used in public or community health settings?

In public health scenarios, the Protein Total and Albumin test might be used to assess the nutritional status of a population or to identify the prevalence of liver or kidney diseases in a specific community.

Can the Protein Total and Albumin test be used to monitor treatment efficacy in certain diseases?

Yes, the test is valuable in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for liver and kidney diseases, nutritional interventions, and chronic inflammatory conditions.

What other tests might be performed along with the Protein Total and Albumin test?

The Protein Total and Albumin test might be performed with other liver function tests (like AST, ALT), kidney function tests (like creatinine, BUN), and nutritional assessments to give a comprehensive view of the individual's health status.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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