Protein, Total and Albumin

Formal Name of the Test:
Protein, Total, and Albumin

Other Names Used:
Albumin, Globulin

Sample Required:
Serum

Test Overview:
Albumin and globulin are the most common proteins found in serum, with alpha 1 and alpha 2 globulin, beta globulin, and gamma globulin is the most common. Albumin makes up more than half of the total proteins in the blood. Although it is not a specific disease marker, the albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio has been used as a disease indicator because it does not reveal which specific proteins are altered. The A/G ratio should be between 0.8 and 2.0. When albumin levels are low or globulin levels are high, the A/G ratio is reduced. Total globulins may be elevated in some chronic inflammatory disorders (TB, syphilis), multiple myeloma, collagen disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Hepatic dysfunction, renal illness, and different neoplasms all show lower levels.

Test Preparation:
Fasting is preferred for this test. Fasting is defined as not eating or drinking anything other than water for at least 8 hours before the test.

Test Performed at:
Quest Diagnostics, Test Code 7577
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