Albumin/Globulin Ratio Test Results Guide
Albumin/Globulin Ratio Test Results Guide
The Albumin/Globulin (A/G) ratio test measures two blood proteins: albumin and globulin. These proteins support vital body functions. This guide explains A/G ratio measurements, test result meanings, and their medical significance.
If you recently received your test results back and need a personalized explanation regarding what they mean, LabAnalyzer can offer a specific breakdown.
What A/G Ratio Measures
The A/G ratio shows the relationship between albumin and globulin blood levels. Each protein serves specific functions for health.
Albumin: The Transporter
The liver produces albumin, the most common blood protein. It:
Controls oncotic pressure, stopping fluid leaks into tissues
Moves hormones, vitamins, and drugs through blood
Stores amino acids for tissue repair and growth
Globulin: The Defender
Globulin includes several proteins:
Immunoglobulins (antibodies) fight infections
Enzymes and carrier proteins move lipids and iron
Blood clotting proteins
The A/G ratio reveals liver function, immune system status, and nutrition levels.
Normal Range Values
The A/G ratio calculation divides albumin by globulin levels. Labs measure both proteins in grams per deciliter (g/dL).
Normal A/G Ratio Range
Normal A/G ratios fall between 1.0 and 2.5, showing healthy protein balance in blood.
Specific component ranges:
Albumin: 3.5-5.0 g/dL
Total globulin: 2.3-3.5 g/dL
Alpha-1 globulin: 0.1-0.3 g/dL
Alpha-2 globulin: 0.6-1.0 g/dL
Beta globulin: 0.7-1.2 g/dL
Gamma globulin: 0.7-1.6 g/dL
Variations in Normal Ranges
Range differences occur from:
Lab methods and equipment
Age-related changes
Pregnancy protein shifts
Medical teams check results against patient history.
High Ratio Implications
High A/G ratios show elevated albumin versus globulin, or low globulin levels.
Potential Causes of High A/G Ratio
Low Globulin States:
Nephrotic syndrome
Immune deficiencies
Genetic disorders
Protein-losing enteropathy
Malnutrition states
High Albumin States:
Severe dehydration
Excessive protein intake
Anabolic steroid use
Post-infusion effects
Health Implications
High ratios point to:
Immunodeficiency disorders
Hypogammaglobulinemia
Common variable immunodeficiency
X-linked agammaglobulinemia
Protein imbalances
Malabsorption syndromes
Nutritional deficits
Metabolic disorders
Low Ratio Causes
A/G ratios drop from high globulin or low albumin levels.
Potential Causes of Low A/G Ratio
Liver Disease Effects:
Cirrhosis reduces albumin production
Hepatitis impairs protein synthesis
Alcoholic liver disease
Drug-induced liver injury
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Kidney Disease Impact:
Nephrotic syndrome: albumin loss
Glomerulonephritis
Diabetic nephropathy
Protein-losing nephropathy
Chronic kidney disease stages
Chronic Conditions:
Multiple myeloma
Systemic inflammation
Chronic infections
HIV/AIDS
Tuberculosis
Autoimmune Disorders:
Lupus erythematosus
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sjögren's syndrome
Systemic sclerosis
Mixed connective tissue disease
Health Implications
Low ratios signal:
Inflammatory states
Immune system activation
Organ dysfunction patterns
Protein loss syndromes
Metabolic disturbances
Additional Tests:
Liver function panels
Kidney function markers
Inflammatory indices
Autoimmune antibodies
Protein electrophoresis
Related Protein Tests
Medical teams use multiple tests for complete evaluation.
Total Protein Test
Measurements include:
Normal range: 6.0-8.3 g/dL
Critical values: <4.0 or >10.0 g/dL
Daily variations
Hydration effects
Position changes
Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP)
SPEP separates globulin types:
Alpha Globulins:
Alpha-1: acute phase proteins
Alpha-2: macroglobulins
Transport proteins
Clotting factors
Beta Globulins:
Beta-1: transferrin
Beta-2: complement
Lipoprotein fractions
Hemopexin levels
Gamma Globulins:
IgG: 700-1600 mg/dL
IgA: 70-400 mg/dL
IgM: 40-230 mg/dL
IgD and IgE traces
Liver Function Tests
Key measurements:
ALT: 7-56 U/L
AST: 10-40 U/L
ALP: 44-147 U/L
Bilirubin fractions
PT/INR values
[H3] Kidney Function Tests
Critical markers:
Creatinine: 0.7-1.3 mg/dL
BUN: 7-20 mg/dL
eGFR calculations
Urinary protein
Microalbumin levels
Monitoring Guidelines
Test frequency varies by medical condition.
Regular Testing Needs
Patient groups:
Liver disease stages
Kidney dysfunction
Autoimmune conditions
Cancer treatment
Protein disorders
Testing Frequency
Monitoring schedules:
Liver Disease:
Cirrhosis: monthly
Hepatitis: quarterly
Fatty liver: bi-annual
Kidney Disease:
Dialysis: weekly
CKD stage 3-4: monthly
Transplant: bi-weekly
Autoimmune Conditions:
Active disease: monthly
Remission: quarterly
Flare-ups: immediate
Lifestyle and Diet Plans
Protein management:
Daily protein: 0.8-1.2 g/kg
Fluid intake: 30-35 mL/kg
Sodium limits: 2000 mg
Balanced nutrients
Regular meals
Exercise protocols:
Low-impact activities
Strength maintenance
Fatigue monitoring
Recovery periods
Activity logs
Medical tracking:
Weight records
Symptom diaries
Medication effects
Diet changes
Lab results
The A/G ratio shows protein balance, organ function, and immune status. Regular testing guides treatment plans and monitors health changes. Medical teams use these values with other tests for complete care.