Albumin/Globulin Ratio (A/G)

There are two major types of protein in the blood: albumin and globulin. Albumin makes up most of the protein in the blood, while the rest are called globulins.

The test also compares the amount of albumin in your blood to the amount of globulin. This comparison is called the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio.

This test can check how well your liver and kidneys are working and if you are lacking some nutrients needed for good health. If your total protein levels or A/G ratio results are not normal, it can be a sign of a serious health problem.

Your results will show whether you have normal, low, or high total protein levels. They will also show if you have a normal, low, or high albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio.

If your total protein levels were low, it may be a sign of one of the following conditions: liver disease; kidney disease; malnutrition (a condition in which your body does not get the calories, vitamins, and/or minerals needed for good health); or a malabsorption syndrome (a type of disorder in which your small intestine can't absorb enough nutrients from food, including celiac disease and Crohn's disease).

If your total protein levels were high, it may be a sign of one of the following conditions: an infection such as HIV or viral hepatitis; or multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

If your A/G ratio was low, it may be caused by an autoimmune disease such as lupus, liver disease (including cirrhosis), or kidney disease.

If your A/G ratio was high, it may be caused by certain types of genetic disorders or leukemia (cancer of the blood cells).