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Laboratory Tests

This section provides detailed information on a wide range of laboratory tests relevant to women's medicine

A rapid reference

Albumin

Albumin is a serum protein, produced by the liver. Among its functions are:
  • Maintaining water balance in the blood through osmotic pressure
  • Transportation of blood components

50–60% of total serum protein is albumin, and the rest is made, primarily, of globulins.

Increased albumin levels may be seen in:

  • Dehydration

Decreased albumin levels may be seen in:

  • Liver disease (decreased production)
  • Malnutrition (decreased production)
  • Diarrhea (increased loss)
  • Renal disease (increased loss)
  • Severe burns (increased loss)
  • Pregnancy (dilutional)

Normal Values*

Men-Women 3.8–5.0 g/dl  38–50 g/L
Pregnancy 1.9–4.0 g/dl  19–40 g/L

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.