What is this test?
This laboratory test is performed on a blood sample to measure the ratio between two proteins in the body i.e. Albumin and Globulin. Albumin proteins keep fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels while globulin proteins play an important role in the immune system. This test is important for your healthcare provider to help in finding the cause of protein level changes in the body.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed:
- To help in the diagnosis of underproduction of albumin or overproduction of globulins
- To help in the diagnosis of liver or kidney diseases
- To help in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases
- To help in the diagnosis of blood cancers
- To detect genetic deficiency of immunoglobulins.
- How to prepare for this test?
No special preparations are required for this test. However, inform your doctor about your complete medical and drug history before this test. Wear a short-sleeved shirt to aid the collection of sample.
- Which medicines may affect my test results?
- Steroids
- corticosteroids
- Androgens
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Growth hormone
- Insulin
- Birth control pills
- What are the risks of this test?
Collecting blood from a vein is a very easy procedure and pose only minimum risk, including:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Lightheadedness
- How to treat an abnormal A/G ratio?
If you have an abnormally high or low A/G ratio, immediately contact your health care professional. An abnormal A/G ratio is secondary to an underlying condition. Treating the causative disease is the best way to balance the A/G ratio.
- Why is the normal A/G ratio slightly higher than 1?
The normal A/G ratio is slightly higher than 1 because your blood usually contains slightly greater amount of albumin than globulin.
Normal Value: The normal A/G ratio has a range of 1.1 to 2.5
- Interpretation of test results:
A low A/G ratio may indicate:
- Autoimmune disease
- Kidney disease
- Cirrhosis
- Multiple myeloma
A high A/G ratio may indicate:
- Genetic deficiency of immunoglobulins
- Blood cancers