Protein, Total and Albumin

7577

Protein, Total
Albumin
Globulin (calculated)
Albumin/Globulin Ratio (calculated)

1 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST)

0.5 mL

Centrifuge serum specimens within 1 hour of collection, transfer serum to a sterile, plastic, screw-capped vial(s), and ship at room temperature. Specimens with gross hemolysis are not acceptable.

Room temperature

Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days

See individual tests

Set up: Daily; Report available: Next day

Protein, Total		Male (g/dL)		Female (g/dL)
<1 Month		4.1-6.3		4.2-6.2
1-5 Months		4.7-6.7		4.4-6.6
6-11 Months		5.5-7.0		5.6-7.9
1-19 Years		6.3-8.2		6.3-8.2
≥20 Years		6.1-8.1		6.1-8.1
Albumin		3.6-5.1		3.6-5.1
Globulin		Male g/dL (calc)		Female g/dL (calc)
<6 Months		1.3-2.4		1.3-2.1
6-11 Months		1.7-3.0		1.2-2.4
1-19 Years		2.1-3.5		2.0-3.8
≥20 Years		1.9-3.7		1.9-3.7

Albumin/Globulin Ratio

1.0-2.5 (calc)

The major proteins seen in the serum are albumin and globulin-the latter being primarily alpha 1 and alpha 2 globulin, beta globulin and gamma globulin. Albumin accounts for more than 50% of the total serum proteins. The albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio has been used as an index of disease state, however, it is not a specific marker for disease because it does not indicate which specific proteins are altered. The normal A/G ratio is 0.8-2.0. The A/G ratio can be decreased in response to a low albumin or to elevated globulins. Total globulins may be increased in some chronic inflammatory diseases (TB, syphilis) multiple myeloma, collagen disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.  Decreased levels are seen in hepatic dysfunction, renal disease and various neoplasms.