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Liver
Albumin
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This is the date the draft was written, not a medical review date.
The principal plasma protein, synthesised by the liver, which carries many ligands and provides most of the colloid oncotic pressure. Its half-life is about 20 days, so it reflects chronic rather than acute change.
Reference interval
| Conventional (g/dL) | SI (g/L) | |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 3.5–5 g/dL | 35–50 g/L |
Specimen: Serum or heparinised plasma · Conventional × 10 = SI
Causes of high values
Almost always relative, from dehydration or prolonged tourniquet application. True hyperalbuminaemia is rare.
Causes of low values
Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, protein-losing enteropathy, malnutrition, chronic inflammation (negative acute-phase reactant), burns, haemodilution and capillary leak.
Pre-analytical and method notes
Bromocresol green overestimates and bromocresol purple underestimates albumin in some conditions, notably renal failure. Values fall slightly when the patient is supine and rise with prolonged venous stasis. Reference intervals vary by laboratory, method and population; use the interval printed on the report.
Related calculators
References
- Rifai N, Horvath AR, Wittwer CT. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. Elsevier, 6th edition (2018) — Tier 3 (textbook)
- McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. Elsevier — Tier 3 (textbook)
- Loscalzo J, et al.. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. McGraw-Hill, 21st edition (2022) — Tier 3 (textbook)
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