serum albumin-to-globulin ratio =
= (serum albumin in g/dL) / (serum globulin g/dL)
Testing:
A more precise calculation is available from serum protein electropheresis than from direct chemical methods, but quantitation of the immunoglobulins gives best measure of total globulins.
Interpretation:
• the reference range is >= 1
• high ratios are often clinically insignificant, except in hypogammaglobulinemia.
• low ratios found in states with low albumin (protein wastage, malnutrition, decreased production) or high globulins (polyclonal or monoclonal gammopathies) or both
Disorders with low ratios:
(1) cirrhosis and other liver diseases
(2) chronic glomerulonephritis
(3) nephrotic syndrome
(4) myeloma, macroglobulinemia
(5) sarcoidosis and other granulomatous diseases
(6) collagen vascular diseases
(7) severe infections
(8) inflammatory states
(9) cachexia
(10) burns
(11) ulcerative colitis
