Overview
Albumin is a family of globular proteins, the most common of which are the serum albumins. All the proteins of the albumin family are water-soluble, moderately soluble in concentrated salt solutions, and experience heat denaturation. Albumins are commonly found in blood plasma and differ from other blood proteins in that they are not glycosylated. Substances containing albumins are called albuminoids.
Hypoalbuminemia is a deficit of albumin in the blood, more often seen in elderly patients. Albumin is a protein that is found in the blood.Albumins in general are transport proteins that bind to various ligands and carry them around. Human types include Human serum albumin which the is the main protein of human blood plasma. It makes up around 50% of human plasma proteins. It binds water, cations (such as Ca2+, Na+ and K+), fatty acids, hormones, bilirubin, thyroxine (T4) and pharmaceuticals (including barbiturates). Its main function is to regulate the oncotic pressure of blood.
Why we need Albumin Test?
Albumin test is used to determine early signs of kidney damage in individuals at risk of developing kidney disease. Most of the blood work lab near you will provide this test. This test also used to screen for and help diagnose a liver disorder and evaluate nutritional status. Albumin is a protein made by the liver. It retains fluid from leaking out of blood vessels, nourishes tissues, and transports hormones, vitamins, drugs, and substances like calcium throughout the body. Albumin is one of the first proteins to leak when the kidneys become damaged. Albumin/Creatinine Ratio, Timed Urine - This test measures the amount of albumin, a large protein, in urine. The presence of albumin in urine may be useful as an early marker of kidney damage. Because the kidneys usually excrete only small molecules into urine, even low levels of albumin in urine (microalbuminuria) may suggest kidney injury.This test recommended as part of a routine checkup; Those experiencing symptoms of a liver disorder or kidney disease; Those experiencing unintentional weight loss or have symptoms associated with malnutrition. Healthy kidneys filter waste and toxins from the blood and hang on to the healthy components, including proteins such as albumin. Kidney damage can cause proteins to leak through the kidneys and exit the body via urine. Test results should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.
Albumin Test results interpretation
A serum albumin test is often part of a series of tests that check liver and kidney function. Your doctor will likely look at all your test results from blood work labs near you to determine what’s causing your symptoms and to make an accurate diagnosis.
The typical value for serum albumin in blood is 3.4 to 5.4 grams per deciliter. If you have a lower albumin level, you may have malnutrition. It can also mean that you have liver disease or an inflammatory disease. Higher albumin levels may be caused by acute infections, burns, and stress from surgery or a heart attack.
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