Albumin Globulin Ratio
Also known as Albumin Globulin Ratio BloodWhat is this test?
This test is used to analyze the amount of protein present in the blood. Proteins circulate throughout the body to maintain fluid balance. Albumin and Globulin are the two major proteins in the blood. The ratio of albumin and globulin is used to analyze the disease state in an individual which may be altered during some diseases like Tuberculosis, arthritis, kidney and liver failure etc.
What is the Albumin and Globulin ratio?
The blood contains two major proteins albumin and globulin along with blood cells, serum, and other components. These proteins play a role in the transport of fats, nutrients, hormones, vitamins, and minerals. The albumin and globulin ratio in a healthy individual is normal with slightly higher albumin than globulin. This ratio is known to change in an individual under various conditions or diseases like liver, kidney failure, malignancies (cancer), chronic diseases(Tuberculosis) etc.
Why this test is performed?
This test is performed to diagnose the conditions or diseases that can cause changes in the ratio of albumin and globulin ratio. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if you experience any signs and symptoms such as chills, fever, abdominal pain, fluid in the abdomen, nausea or vomiting, liver, kidney or blood diseases etc. This test is also performed if your doctor suspects cancer. However, if an infection is suspected a few more additional tests may also be recommended to find the exact cause of the infection.
Precautions:
Some medicines may interfere with the albumin test results like insulin, steroids like prednisolone, cortisone, anabolic steroids like testosterone, androgens, etc and cause high levels of albumin. Dehydration also sometimes causes higher levels of albumin. In the case of pregnancy, the albumin levels in the blood may be low. Medicines like birth control pills also cause low levels of albumin in the blood. Hence inform your doctor or technician about all your current medications and medical conditions prior to the test.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Albumin Globulin Ratio. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Albumin Globulin Ratio.
Follow all the instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Understanding your test results
If your albumin globulin ratio test results are lower than the normal range it may indicate liver diseases like cirrhosis, kidney diseases, may be cancer.
If your test results are higher, it may indicate the presence of gastrointestinal diseases and also may be conditions like low thyroid activity or leukemia
If you get abnormal test results to consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your results.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | .8 - 2 |