PROTEIN, TOTAL AND ALBUMIN

Clinical Significance
Protein, Total and Albumin - 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.

Preferred Specimen(s)
1 mL serum

Minimum Volume
0.5 mL

Transport Container
Serum separator tube (SST)

Transport Temperature
Room temperature

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

Reject Criteria
See individual tests

Setup Schedule

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

Methodology
See individual tests for specific methods

Reference Range(s)
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)

Alternative Name(s)
Globulin