Total Protein and Albumin/Globulin (A/G) Ratio
A total protein and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio test measures the total amount of protein in your blood.
A total protein and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio test measures the total amount of protein in your blood. Proteins have many important functions, including giving your body energy, rebuilding muscles, and helping your immune system . Your body might make too much or too little protein if you have certain health conditions. There are two major types of protein in the blood: albumin and globulin. Albumin makes up most of the protein in the blood, while the rest are called globulins. Albumin , which helps keep fluid from leaking out of blood vessels. It also helps move hormones (chemical messengers in your bloodstream that control the actions of certain cells or organs), medicines, vitamins , and other important substances throughout your body. Albumin is made in the liver. Globulins , which help fight infection and move nutrients throughout your body. Some globulins are made by the liver. Others are made by the immune system. The test also compares the amount of albumin in your blood to the amount of globulin. This comparison is called the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio. This test can check how well your liver and kidneys are working and if you are lacking some nutrients needed for good health. If your total protein levels or A/G ratio results are not normal, it can be a sign of a serious health problem. Other names: total serum protein, TP albumin/globulin ratio, Total protein with A/G ratio
Why is this test ordered? You may get this test as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel, which is often included in a routine checkup . You may also need this test to check for or monitor a health condition that affects the amount of protein in your body or if you have symptoms that indicate abnormal protein levels. These can include: Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, and/or abdomen (belly), which is caused by extra fluid in your tissues Fatigue Unexplained weight loss Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). This is a common symptom of liver disease. Blood in the urine, a common symptom of kidney disease
Clinical Interpretation
Your results will show whether you have normal, low, or high total protein levels. They will also show if you have a normal, low, or high albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio. If your total protein levels were low, it may be a sign of one of the following conditions: Liver disease Kidney disease Malnutrition , a condition in which your body does not get the calories, vitamins, and/or minerals needed for good health A malabsorption syndrome , a type of disorder in which your small intestine can't absorb enough nutrients from food. Types of malabsorption syndromes include celiac disease and Crohn's disease . If your total protein levels were high, it may be a sign of one of the following conditions: An infection such as HIV or viral hepatitis Multiple myeloma , a type of blood cancer If your A/G ratio was low, it may be caused by: An autoimmune disease , such as lupus Liver disease, including cirrhosis Kidney disease If your A/G ratio was high, it may be caused by: Certain types of genetic disorders Leukemia (cancer of the blood cells) Your provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other blood tests to understand the results of this test. If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider. Learn more about laboratory tests, references ranges, and understanding results .
Clinical Protocol & Patient Advice
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You may need to stop taking certain medicines before this test, so tell your health care provider about everything you take. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to. If your total protein and A/G ratio test is part of another blood test, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. Your provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.
Usage Guidance
- Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Always discuss your specific results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. View the original.