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What is a globulin/AG ratio?
Albumin and globulins are essential proteins present in our body’s blood serum. Albumin is produced in the liver, and globulins are produced majorly from the immune system and the liver. They help in metabolism as well as make the immune system stronger. The albumin-to-globulin concentration is called the AG ratio. This ratio is tested to determine the amount or concentration of proteins in the blood. It compares the amount of albumin in your blood to that of globulins. The AG ratio test is also known as the total serum protein test.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the globulin/AG ratio test used for?
Proteins play an important role in the body's defence mechanism. Therefore, any imbalance in their levels hints at inflammation and infection in the body's tissues. It helps in confirming the presence of the following conditions:
- Viral and bacterial infections
- Autoimmune disease (body starts fighting its cells)
- Liver disease (the liver is unable to clear the excess proteins)
- Liver cancer
- Obesity and related conditions (obese individuals tend to develop infections, thus having high protein levels)
- Heart disease
Understanding the test results of a globulin/AG ratio test
The components of the AG ratio are albumin and globulins. The value of globulin for reference purposes is always set at 1. Therefore, the ratio is presented as the level of albumin in the body. The normal ratio is always more than 1. A ratio of 1.1–2.5 is considered normal. A ratio above 2.5 represents high albumin levels.
Why do I need the globulin/AG ratio test?
An AG ratio test is a sensitive test that helps physicians understand the body's ability to fight infections and maintain homeostasis. Using the AG ratio test, a proper treatment protocol can be formed and recovery can be monitored.
What happens during the globulin/AG ratio test?
A simple blood sample is collected by a certified lab technician through a needle prick in your arm veins. The sample is sent to a designated laboratory for analysis. Test results may be acquired on the same day.
What is a bad AG ratio?
A test result with a ratio less than 1 or more than 2.5 is considered bad. A bad ratio means the presence of an ongoing disease or pathology in the body.
What does the AG ratio indicate?
The AG ratio indicates the concentration of albumin and globulins in the blood serum of an individual. This ratio is disturbed in inflammatory conditions such as viral and bacterial infections and some chronic diseases.
What is a normal globulin level?
Globulins are proteins present in our blood serum that help fight infections with our immune system. The level of globulin is generally considered as 1 with respect to that of albumin. When only globulin is calculated, the normal levels are 2.0–3.9 g/dL or 20–39 g/L.
What does it mean if my albumin–globulin ratio is high?
A high albumin–globulin ratio means that the concentration of albumin has risen relatively to globulin. Increased albumin levels can occur in liver diseases, viral and bacterial infections, obesity, and autoimmune disease.
Can dehydration cause a high AG ratio?
Yes. Dehydration means a low water content in the body. Low levels of water can cause the proteins to concentrate as there is not enough water to balance them. Therefore, the AG ratio is above the normal level.
Why is my AG ratio low?
A low AG ratio means that the level of globulin has risen or in many cases may be borderline.
High globulin level is seen in infections, cancers, autoimmune diseases (weakened immune system), and so on.
References:
- https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/total-protein-and-albumin-globulin-a-g-ratio/
- https://www.labcorp.com/help/patient-test-info/total-protein-and-albuminglobulin-ag-ratio
- https://labs.selfdecode.com/blog/albumin-globulin-ratio/#:~:text=In%20general%2C%20an%20albumin%2Fglobulin,higher%20than%201%20%5B1%5D.
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