H–3
Chemistry Description and Guide
Albumin/ALB
Albumin forms the largest fraction of the total serum protein in the healthy animal. It is
synthesized solely in the liver, has a low molecular weight, and plays an important role
in the transport of endogenous and exogenous compounds in bound form. Albumin
also makes a major contribution to osmoregulation.
Principal reasons for performing the test:
To investigate hepatic and renal function, the degree of hydration, or protein losing
enteropathies. The test should not generally be performed in isolation because of its
lack of specificity.
Most common abnormalities indicated by the test:
Impaired renal and hepatic function.
Special precautions in sample collection:
Remove plasma or serum promptly from the clot or cells. Hemolysis may cause an
increased albumin value.
Complementary tests:
Albumin concentration is usually determined in conjunction with the measurement of
total protein and other tests of renal and hepatic function. When albumin is measured
with total protein, the total globulins will be calculated automatically and given with the
results.
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