Albumin

Description: 
Colorimetric dye-binding assay for the quantitative determination of albumin in human serum.
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: 

See Chemistry Reference Ranges Document at Automated Chemistry Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas'

Units: 
g/L
Department: 
Blood Sciences Department
Sample type and Volume required: 
Serum
Turnaround time: 
1 day
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Serum
Contacts:
Blood Sciences Department-Guy's And St Thomas' Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Contact: 020 7188 9247

Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing - 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Contact: 020 7188 4781
Automated Chemistry Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Clinical Advisory Service
Monday – Friday, 09:00-17:00 h: 07738897061
Out of hours, weekends & bank holidays: find details on Rotawatch on Trust intranet GTi, or contact via GSTT switchboard.
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Automated Chemistry Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas'

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Last updated: 08/11/2021