Albumin

Description: 
Albumin measured by colorimetric assay using the Roche 8000 - c702 analyser
Clinical details: 
Albumin is a small globular protein with a molecular mass of 66.3 kDa, which constitutes 55-65 % of total plasma protein. It maintains plasma oncotic pressure, and is also involved in the transport and storage of a wide variety of ligands and is a source of endogenous amino acids. Albumin binds and solubilises various compounds, e.g. bilirubin, calcium and long-chain fatty acids. It is capable of binding toxic heavy metal ions as well as numerous pharmaceuticals, which is the reason why lower albumin concentrations in blood have a significant effect on pharmacokinetics.
Related condition or disease: 
Hyperalbuminemia is almost always caused by dehydration and is of little clinical significance.

Hypoalbuminemia is seen in many conditions and is caused by several factors: compromised synthesis due either to liver disease or as a consequence of reduced protein uptake; elevated catabolism due to tissue damage (severe burns) or inflammation; malabsorption of amino acids (Crohn’s disease); proteinuria as a consequence of nephrotic syndrome; protein loss via the stool (neoplastic disease). Due to the low osmotic pressure of the plasma, water permeates through blood capillaries into tissue (oedema).
Reference range: 

35-50 

Units: 
g/L
Department: 
Blood Sciences Department
Location: 
King's College Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Serum - 5ml clotted blood/SST tube
Turnaround time: 
1 day
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
SST
Contacts:
Clinical Biochemistry - Blood Sciences at King's College Hospital
020 3299 4126
King's College Hospital
Bessemer Wing
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory at King's

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Last updated: 16/05/2021