Protein Total with Albumin, Globulin – BC262
🧪 Nutritional & Organ Health
₹159
MRP ₹300
Sample Time: 5:30 PM
Report: Same Day
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC262
Report: Same Day
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC262
About this Test:
This test measures the **Total Protein** in your blood and breaks it down into its two main components: **Albumin** and **Globulin**. It is one of the most fundamental blood tests for assessing a person's overall health, particularly their nutritional status and the function of their liver and kidneys.
✔ A core component of the Liver Function Test (LFT) and routine health checkups.
✔ Provides crucial information about your nutritional health.
✔ Helps in the diagnosis of liver disease, kidney disease, and other conditions.
✔ The **A/G Ratio** is calculated for deeper clinical insight.
This test measures the **Total Protein** in your blood and breaks it down into its two main components: **Albumin** and **Globulin**. It is one of the most fundamental blood tests for assessing a person's overall health, particularly their nutritional status and the function of their liver and kidneys.
✔ A core component of the Liver Function Test (LFT) and routine health checkups.
✔ Provides crucial information about your nutritional health.
✔ Helps in the diagnosis of liver disease, kidney disease, and other conditions.
✔ The **A/G Ratio** is calculated for deeper clinical insight.
Understanding Your Blood Proteins
The proteins circulating in your blood are the workhorses of the body. This test looks at the big picture by measuring the two main players:
- Albumin: Making up about 60% of total protein, albumin is produced by the liver. Its primary job is to keep fluid within your bloodstream and prevent it from leaking into tissues (which causes swelling or edema). It also acts as a carrier, transporting hormones, vitamins, and medications throughout your body. Low albumin is a strong indicator of liver disease, kidney disease (where it's lost in urine), or malnutrition.
- Globulin: This diverse group of proteins makes up the other 40%. They are crucial for your immune system (gamma globulins are your antibodies that fight infection) and for transporting substances. High globulin levels can point to chronic inflammation, infections, or certain blood disorders.
The Importance of the A/G Ratio (Albumin to Globulin Ratio)
A doctor doesn't just look at the individual numbers; they look at their relationship. The A/G Ratio is a calculated value that is often more informative than the total protein level alone. Normally, you have more albumin than globulin, so the ratio is greater than 1. A **low A/G ratio** is a significant finding, suggesting either the underproduction of albumin (e.g., in liver cirrhosis) or the overproduction of globulins (e.g., in chronic infections or multiple myeloma).
When is this Test Ordered?
This test is a standard part of most health checkup panels. A doctor will also specifically order it to:
- Evaluate your nutritional status.
- Screen for and monitor liver disease (like hepatitis or cirrhosis).
- Screen for and monitor kidney disease (like nephrotic syndrome).
- Investigate the cause of unexplained swelling (edema).
- As part of a workup for suspected autoimmune diseases or multiple myeloma.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between Albumin and Globulin?
Albumin is a single protein made by the liver that primarily maintains fluid balance. Globulins are a group of different proteins, many of which are part of your immune system (antibodies).
Albumin is a single protein made by the liver that primarily maintains fluid balance. Globulins are a group of different proteins, many of which are part of your immune system (antibodies).
Q2: Why is the A/G Ratio important?
The ratio of Albumin to Globulin can reveal underlying issues even when the total protein level is normal. For example, a low A/G ratio is a classic sign of chronic diseases, pointing towards either low albumin production or high globulin production.
The ratio of Albumin to Globulin can reveal underlying issues even when the total protein level is normal. For example, a low A/G ratio is a classic sign of chronic diseases, pointing towards either low albumin production or high globulin production.
Q3: What does a low Total Protein level suggest?
A low level can indicate a problem with your liver (not producing enough albumin), your kidneys (losing too much protein in the urine), or your nutrition (not consuming enough protein).
A low level can indicate a problem with your liver (not producing enough albumin), your kidneys (losing too much protein in the urine), or your nutrition (not consuming enough protein).
Q4: Do I need to fast before this test?
Fasting is generally recommended. Since this test is almost always part of a larger panel like a Liver Function Test (LFT) or a health checkup, fasting for 8-12 hours ensures the accuracy of all the other tests in the panel.
Fasting is generally recommended. Since this test is almost always part of a larger panel like a Liver Function Test (LFT) or a health checkup, fasting for 8-12 hours ensures the accuracy of all the other tests in the panel.