What does albumin show in a blood test? Albumin is lowered: blood sampling, interpretation of the results of the analysis, causes of the decrease, possible consequences, treatment and consultations of doctors

Suspecting a patient of certain diseases, the doctor prescribes a test to study the amount of albumin.

Albumin is lowered or increased in the blood, determines the biochemistry of the blood. Testing is carried out according to certain rules:

In healthy people, albumin is excreted in the urine in a volume of 30 mg per day. Exceeding this indicator indicates a violation of the activity of the cardiovascular system, atherosclerosis of blood vessels. A tendency to protein mismatch with normative indicators is shown by those who are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and chronic renal dysfunction.

Consequences of high protein levels

Microalbuminuria is often diagnosed, but elevated protein is rare. If the excess of standard values ​​is small, we can talk about excessive physical activity of a person on the eve of testing. However, such violations are also possible with the following ailments:

• the patient is sick with cholera;
• suffers from diabetes;
• suffering from intestinal obstruction;
• lupus erythematosus.

If a person has at least once revealed an increased protein in the urine or blood, he should be regularly examined and adjust the albumin values. This approach helps to avoid health-threatening complications.

Folk recipes for lowering albumin

By itself, albumin never rises, it is only a symptom of an unhealthy lifestyle, poor nutrition, and improper distribution of physical activity. Alcoholics, those who smoke, and people prone to viral infections constantly sin with increased protein.

To smooth out unpleasant symptoms and stabilize well-being, it is recommended to prepare a liver collection. Herbs do not need to be harvested on their own, it is sold in every pharmacy and is inexpensive. How is the collection brewed?

1. Measure out 1 level teaspoon of the herb.
2. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over. It is possible in a thermos or an enamel pan.
3. Wrap the container with a blanket.
4. Wait for the liquid to cool completely.
5. Strain the infusion through several layers of gauze and drink half an hour before meals. 250 ml - a single dosage, you need to brew a new portion of healing tea each time.

Doctors call the advantage of the liver collection the absence of side effects. Also drink plenty of water and in case of persistent diarrhea, take Loperamide. While taking Loperamide, stick to the diet, and when it becomes easier, move on to a more difficult to assimilate dish gradually. Otherwise, intestinal obstruction may occur. If persistent vomiting is tormenting, it is unlikely that it will be possible to stop it on your own. Call an ambulance.

One of the main proteins contained in human blood is albumin. The total percentage of the protein fraction is about 60%. Human albumin is produced in the liver in large quantities. According to this indicator, it is possible to assess the correct functioning of the liver in terms of protein production.

Albumin norm

At different ages, the norm of this protein fraction in the blood is different. At the same time, the gender of a person does not affect the indicators. It is important to know that during pregnancy, the level of this protein in the blood is lowered. At the same time, a low rate is also observed in women during breastfeeding. Depending on age, the norm may vary as follows:

• In babies under 1 year old, the norm is 47 - 73 g / l:
• At the age of 14 years, the norm is 38-54 g / l;
• In adults under 60 years old, the norm is 35-50 g / l;
• In older people after 60 years, the norm is 34-48 g / l.

At any age, the norm indicates the well-being of the human body. For the general condition, it is equally bad if the level is increased or decreased. In this case, the reasons for deviations from the norm may be different.

Decreased albumin level

When the level of albumin in the blood is low, the reasons for this may be related to:

• With an unexpected loss of protein due to the development of certain disorders in the human body;
• With an explainable loss of protein, which can be caused by physiological causes, for example, pregnancy in women;
• With insufficient protein synthesis by the liver, which indicates the pathology of the organ.

During pregnancy in women, the level of albumin in the blood is almost always low. The indicator is in the range of 25 - 50 g / l. Moreover, the level of protein during pregnancy is reduced to a minimum only in the 3rd trimester. A decrease in the level of albumin in the blood in women during pregnancy and during breastfeeding is considered physiological and is associated with the consumption of protein for biosynthetic processes.

Advice! It should be remembered that if during pregnancy the protein level is lowered to the minimum allowable value already in the 1st trimester, then this should alert. In this case, it is recommended to undergo a more complete examination during pregnancy.

Other physiological causes may be related to the following:

• With long-term medication;
• With being on a diet for weight loss.

Liver diseases always lead to a decrease in the level of this protein fraction. It is these reasons that lead to the fact that human albumin is synthesized in insufficient quantities. Most often this occurs with the following pathologies:

• malignant tumors;
• Hepatitis;
• Cirrhosis of the liver.

Also, the level of this protein fraction can be lowered when:

• Various inflammatory processes in the human body. Moreover, in this case, the level of the fall indicates the severity of the inflammation.
• Injuries of various etiologies. So, a decrease in the level of protein is observed during the breakdown of tissues due to the development of malignant tumors.
• genetic pathologies.

Increased albumin levels

The main reasons that there is an increase in the level of albumin in the blood are associated with dehydration of the human body. Diarrhea and vomiting can contribute to this. The level of this protein fraction is almost always increased in the following categories of patients:

• Smokers who have been smoking for a long time;
• People who abuse alcohol.

In principle, for the diagnosis of various diseases, an increase in the level of albumin in the blood does not play a significant role and is rather used only as a reference.

Quite often, doctors prescribe a biochemical blood test after the diagnosis is made in order to obtain additional information indicating the correctness of the diagnosis. So, an increase in the level of albumin in the blood is always expected when:

• Various infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Severe injuries and burns due to dehydration;
• Diseases of the endocrine system, including diabetes.
• multiple myeloma;
• cholera.

Only a specialist can decipher correctly and in detail the analysis for human albumin to clarify the diagnosis of a particular disease. But you need to know general information and understand the significance of this protein fraction in human blood. This will allow you to properly tune in to the treatment of the disease and recover as soon as possible.

The human liver is a special organ, which is a kind of factory in the body. It is here that various toxic substances are neutralized and converted into waste slags for further excretion.

The liver also produces the most important fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and carbohydrate compounds. The norm of albumin in the patient's blood always reflects the state of the liver and the usefulness of its work. In this article, you will learn what albumin is in a biochemical blood test and what role it plays in the human body.

What is albumin

Albumin in the blood is one of the main proteins in the blood plasma, accounting for almost 80% of the total protein. During the day, approximately 15 grams of this protein is produced in the liver, which retains its effect for about 20 days. Probably, the fact that the body needs protein as the main building material is known to almost everyone, because this is its main purpose, but this indicator has another role.

It is from albumin that the normal level of osmotic blood pressure (excessive pressure of one solution located behind the cell wall on another) depends.

Albumin in the blood is responsible for ensuring that the substances contained in the blood do not precipitate, as well as for ensuring that all biochemical and metabolic processes take place normally and in full.

The viscosity of the blood also depends on pressure, that is, its ability to properly flow inside the vessels and move all the nutrients to the tissues and organs. Also, the ability to move the main blood cells, such as platelets, leukocytes and erythrocytes, also depends on the level of albumin.

Albumin transfers about 40% of the calcium received by the body to bone tissue., with its help, the transfer of important hormones produced in the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland is also carried out. The molecules of this substance are carried throughout the body and other components synthesized by various organs. The level of protein depends on the indicators of cholesterol, fatty acids, bilirubin, which it maintains at the proper rate, and this provides full protection against such a disease as atherosclerosis.

The norm of albumin in the blood depending on age

The normal value of albumin does not depend on the gender of the patient, the norms of this substance are established only by age groups. In the international system for determining the norm of albumin, the unit of change is considered to be grams per liter (g / l).

The normal values ​​of albumin are considered to be:

Sharp fluctuations in the normal values ​​of albumin during life are not observed, the value of this substance from birth to the end of life changes little and almost insignificantly. But a change in these norms usually indicates the presence of violations, mainly in the work of the liver.

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Some decrease in albumin is typical for women who are expecting a baby, as well as during breastfeeding, and this is not a pathology, since the mother's body shares its protein with the developing child.

Conducting an analysis

The norm of albumin is usually determined without fail when conducting a biochemical blood test using a special method, the essence of which is the formation of a color reaction, the intensity of which is determined using a photoelectric colorimeter. It is this device that allows you to draw conclusions about the available concentration of a solute.

In order for the result of the study on albumin to be as accurate as possible, you should follow some rules for preparing for the procedure:

• Come to the laboratory office strictly on an empty stomach, on the eve of giving up heavy and fatty foods, alcoholic and carbonated drinks, avoiding overeating. At the same time, it is important that about 10-12 hours pass between dinner and the time of the procedure.
• During the day, you should protect yourself from stress, as well as from any physical activity and sports.
• A few days before the analysis, it is important to stop taking medications.

You must come to the sampling procedure in advance, this is a prerequisite if you want to determine the amount of the main protein.

Before donating blood for albumin, the patient must definitely sit and rest for at least half an hour, since walking and even a long stay of a person in a “standing” position also affect the result of the analysis.

The procedure for taking blood also has its own characteristics. Blood for research is drawn from a vein, but a syringe is not used. Blood should flow out of the puncture by gravity, since even pulling the shoulder area with a tourniquet (which is always done when taking blood from a vein) affects the results of the study and can cause false data.

Reasons for increasing albumin

Most often, the cause of an increase in the content of albumin in the blood is dehydration, which occurs not only due to the fact that a person does not comply with the drinking regimen, but also in certain diseases accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea. But, of course, not always an increase in the indicator occurs due to a lack of water in the body.

An increase in albumin can indicate serious diseases, in particular:

• For infections.
• On Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.
• For the presence of urolithiasis.
• For arthritis of the rheumatoid type.
• For systemic lupus erythematosus.
• The presence of burns on a large surface of the skin.
• Intestinal obstruction.
• For cirrhosis of the liver, as well as for the presence of chronic hepatitis.
• For diabetes or nephritis.
• cholera.

The amount of albumin may increase due to the use of certain drugs, such as bromosulfalein or corticosteroids, as well as due to injuries, especially severe ones, vein clamping, in particular, when applying a tourniquet or wearing tight-fitting elastic bands.

It is possible to restore the normal level of albumin by correcting the drinking regime, if the increase in the indicator was due to a lack of water in the body. But if the cause of the increase lies in the presence of any disease, then the treatment should be directed specifically at it.

Decreased albumin level

Most often, the main reason for the decrease in albumin is chronic inflammatory processes in the kidneys and liver.

The indicator can also decrease if you follow strict diets, limit the consumption of certain foods, as well as during starvation. The albumin molecule exists for about 20 days, fulfilling its purpose, while it contains protein. If a person begins to follow a diet, then the amount of protein required by the body is compensated by the main protein, which leads to a decrease in the indicator.

A decrease in albumin occurs in various emergency situations, for example, when receiving extensive serious burns, the appearance of blood diseases, bleeding, after operations.

If the analysis is carried out after a short period of time, then in its results the level of the indicator will be reduced, since the substance has not yet had time to recover.

In women during pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding, the level of albumin is lowered for natural reasons. A chronic decrease in the indicator is almost always observed in smokers, which should be taken into account when conducting an analysis.

With heart failure, genetic and hormonal failures, with some diseases, a decrease in albumin norms is also noted. These include diseases of the heart and blood vessels, disruption of the intestines (absorption functions). The indicator also decreases when taking certain drugs, for example, anti-inflammatory drugs (especially Ibuprofen), as well as drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis, belonging to a specific category.

You can increase the rate of albumin in the blood at home through the usual use of protein foods, primarily lean pork, chicken, cheeses, chicken eggs, cottage cheese, peanuts, dried apricots, seafood, fresh fish.

To bring the content of the main protein back to normal, it is necessary that the foods used are natural and fresh, and you should cook food yourself. Do not get carried away with fried foods and heavy meals. Fish and meat are best boiled, baked or stewed with vegetables, but not fried with oil.

Consequences and complications of deviations

The consequences of a decrease in the amount of albumin most often become exacerbations of certain diseases or their transition to a chronic form.

It is important to remember that a decrease in albumin does not lead to the appearance of ailments, it is a consequence of their presence and can only exacerbate the disease.

In most cases, a decrease in the indicator can lead to complications and an increase in:

• Problems in the work of the heart and blood vessels.
• atherosclerosis.
• Diseases of an autoimmune nature.
• Dystrophy.
• Disturbances in the work of the intestines, weakening of the absorption function.
• Liver diseases, in particular cirrhosis, as well as kidney ailments.
• Sepsis.
• Blood infections.
• Development of tumor processes.

If a woman takes estrogens, for example, for medicinal purposes, and also uses hormonal contraceptives, then the level of the main protein should be monitored by periodically taking tests. In such situations, the composition of the blood can change, and this often leads to the appearance of various diseases.

Perhaps the development of physiological hypoproteinemia in the last months of pregnancy, during lactation, against the background of prolonged physical exertion, as well as in bedridden patients.

What diseases cause a decrease in the amount of protein in the blood
Hypoproteinemia is a sign of the following diseases:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, enterocolitis)
• surgical interventions
• tumors of different localization
• liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver tumors or liver metastases)
• poisoning
• acute and chronic bleeding
• burn disease
• glomerulonephritis
• thyrotoxicosis
• the use of infusion therapy (the intake of large volumes of fluid into the body)
• hereditary diseases (Wilson-Konovalov disease)
• fever

Medications affecting protein content
Some medications affect the concentration of total protein in the blood. So, corticosteroids, bromsulfalein contribute to the development of hyperproteinemia, and estrogen hormones lead to hypoproteinemia. An increase in the concentration of total protein is also possible with prolonged clamping of the vein with a tourniquet, as well as the transition from the "lying" to the "standing" position.

How to take a protein test?
To determine the concentration of total protein, blood is taken from a vein, in the morning, on an empty stomach. The break between the last meal and the time of the test should be at least 8 hours. Sweet drinks should also be limited. To date, the protein concentration is determined by the biuret or microbiuret (if the concentration is very low) method. This method is universal, easy to use, fairly cheap and fast. There are few errors when using this method, so it is considered reliable and informative. Errors mainly occur when the reaction is incorrectly formulated or dirty dishes are used.

Albumin, types of globulin, norms, reasons for increasing or decreasing indicators

Albumin - the norm, the reason for the increase, decrease, how to take an analysis
Let's consider each protein fraction separately. Albumins are a very homogeneous group, half of which is in the vascular bed, and half in the interstitial fluid. Due to the presence of a negative charge and a large surface, albumins are able to carry various substances on themselves - hormones, drugs, fatty acids, bilirubin, metal ions, etc. The main physiological function of albumins is to maintain pressure and reserve amino acids. Albumins are synthesized in the liver and live for 12-27 days.

Albumin increase - causes
An increase in the concentration of albumin in the blood ( hyperalbuminemia) may be associated with the following pathologies:

• dehydration, or dehydration (loss of body fluid through vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating)
• extensive burns

Decreased albumin - causes
Decreased albumin concentration ( hypoalbuminemia) can be up to 30 g / l, which leads to a decrease in oncotic pressure and the appearance of edema. Hypoalbuminemia occurs when:

• various nephritis (glomerulonephritis)
• acute liver atrophy, toxic hepatitis, cirrhosis
• increased capillary permeability
• amyloidosis
• burns
• injuries
• bleeding
• congestive heart failure
• pathology of the gastrointestinal tract
• fasting
• pregnancy and lactation
• tumors
• with malabsorption syndrome
• thyrotoxicosis
• taking oral contraceptives and estrogen hormones

Globulins - types of globulins, norms, causes of increase, decrease

α1-globulins -α1-antitrypsin, α1-acid glycoprotein, norms, causes of increase, decrease

The composition of this protein fraction includes up to 5 proteins, and they normally make up 4% of the total protein. Two have the greatest diagnostic value - and.

α1-antitrypsin (serine proteinase inhibitor) regulates the activity of blood plasma enzymes - trypsin, thrombin, renin, plasmin, kallikrein and elastase. The normal content in the blood of a healthy person is 2-5 g / l. This protein is an acute phase protein, that is, an increase in its concentration occurs during inflammation and oncological diseases. Complete or partial deficiency of α1-antitrypsin leads to obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema) and progressive cirrhosis at a young age.

α1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) involved in the transfer of hormones - testosterone and progesterone. Normally, it contains 0.55 -1.4 g / l in the blood serum. The concentration of orosomucoid increases 3-4 times in acute and chronic inflammations and after operations. Determining the concentration of orosomucoid is used to monitor the dynamics of the development of inflammation or to control oncology (an increase in the concentration of this protein indicates a tumor recurrence).

How to pass the analysis?
To determine the concentration of α1-globulins, blood is taken from a vein, in the morning, on an empty stomach. The method for quantifying the concentration of these proteins is accurate, but rather complicated, so its determination should be carried out by an experienced and highly qualified person. The method is quite lengthy, it takes several hours. The blood must be fresh, without signs of hemolysis. Errors in the determination occur when the personnel are not sufficiently qualified or the rules for preparing blood for analysis are violated.

α2-globulins -α2-macroglobulin,haptoglobinnorms,ceruloplasmin,reasons for the increase, decrease

Haptoglobin consists of two subunits and circulates in human blood in three molecular forms. It is an acute phase protein. The normal content in the blood of a healthy person is less than 2.7 g / l. The main function of haptoglobin is the transfer of hemoglobin to the cells of the reticuloendothelial system, where hemoglobin is destroyed and bilirubin is formed from it. An increase in its concentration occurs with acute inflammation, and a decrease in hemolytic anemia. When incompatible blood is transfused, it may disappear altogether.

ceruloplasmin- a protein with the properties of an enzyme that oxidizes Fe2+ to Fe3+. Ceruloplasmin is a depot and carrier of copper. In the blood of a healthy person, it normally contains 0.15 - 0.60 g / l. The content of this protein increases during acute inflammation and pregnancy. The inability of the body to synthesize this protein is found in a congenital disease - Wilson-Konovalov's disease, as well as in healthy relatives of these patients.

How to take an analysis?
To determine the concentration of α2-macroglobulins, blood from a vein is used, which is taken strictly in the morning, on an empty stomach. Methods for determining these proteins are laborious and rather long in time, and also require high qualification.

β-globulins -transferrin,hemopexin,norm, reasons for increase, decrease

Hemopexin It is also a hemoglobin-binding protein. Normally, it is contained in the blood - 0.5-1.2 g / l. The content of hemopexin decreases with hemolysis, liver and kidney diseases, and increases with inflammation.

How to pass the analysis?
To determine the concentration of β-globulins, blood from a vein is used, which is taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. The blood must be fresh, without signs of hemolysis. Carrying out this sample is a high-tech analysis that requires highly qualified laboratory assistant. The analysis is laborious and rather time consuming.

γ-globulins (immunoglobulins) - the norm, the reasons for the increase and decrease

The γ-globulin fraction includes immunoglobulins.

Immunoglobulins- these are antibodies that are produced by cells of the immune system to destroy pathogenic bacteria. An increase in the number of immunoglobulins is observed when immunity is activated, that is, with viral and bacterial infections, as well as inflammation and tissue destruction. A decrease in the number of immunoglobulins can be physiological (in children 3-6 years old), congenital (hereditary immunodeficiency diseases) and secondary (with allergies, chronic inflammation, malignant tumors, long-term treatment with corticosteroids).

How to pass the analysis?
Determination of the concentration of γ-globulins is carried out in blood from a vein taken in the morning (before 10 am), on an empty stomach. When passing an analysis for the determination of γ-globulins, it is necessary to avoid physical exertion and strong emotional upheavals. To determine the concentration of γ-globulins, various methods are used - immunological, biochemical. Immunological methods are more accurate. In terms of time costs, both biochemical and immunological methods are equivalent. However, immunological should be preferred due to their greater accuracy, sensitivity and specificity.

Glucose - the norm, the reasons for the increase and decrease, how to prepare for blood donation for analysis?

Blood glucose norm and physiological hyperglycemia

With an increase in glucose concentration above 6 mmol / l, they indicate the presence of hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can be physiological, that is, occurring in healthy people and pathological, that is, detected with various disorders in the human body.
Physiological hyperglycemia includes:

• alimentary (after meals, sweet drinks)
• neurogenic - under stress

• neuroendocrine disorders (for example, obesity, polycystic ovaries, premenstrual syndrome, Itsenko-Cushing's disease, etc.)
• diabetes
• diseases of the pituitary gland (eg, acromegaly, pituitary dwarfism, etc.)
• adrenal tumors (pheochromocytoma)
• enhanced thyroid function
• infectious hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver

• unbalanced diet, in which a large amount of refined carbohydrates (white flour products, confectionery, potatoes, pasta) and few vegetables, fruits, vitamins
• in newborns
• dehydration
• lack of food or eating before bed

1. overdose of insulin or other sugar-lowering drugs
2. kidney, liver and heart failure
3. exhaustion
4. hormonal imbalances (depletion of cortisol, adrenaline, glucagon)
5. pancreatic tumor - insulinoma
6. congenital anomalies - hypersecretion of insulin, autoimmune hypoglycemia, etc.

Bilirubin - types, norms, causes of decrease and increase, how to pass the analysis?

Direct and indirect bilirubin - where is it formed and how is it excreted

Bilirubin is a yellow-red pigment that is formed from the breakdown of hemoglobin in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. With the breakdown of 1 g of hemoglobin, 34 mg of bilirubin is formed. With the destruction of hemoglobin, one part of it - globin decomposes to amino acids, the second part - heme - decomposes with the formation of iron and bile pigments. Iron is used again, and bile pigments (products of the conversion of bilirubin) are excreted from the body. Bilirubin formed from the breakdown of hemoglobin ( indirect), enters the bloodstream, where it binds to albumin and is transported to the liver. In liver cells, bilirubin combines with glucuronic acid. This bilirubin associated with glucuronic acid is called straight.

Indirect bilirubin is very toxic, as it can accumulate in cells, primarily in the brain, disrupting their function. Direct bilirubin is non-toxic. In the blood, the ratio of direct and indirect bilirubin is 1 to 3. Further, in the intestine, direct bilirubin splits off glucuronic acid under the action of bacteria, and itself is oxidized to form urobilinogen and stercobilinogen. 95% of these substances are excreted in the feces, the remaining 5% are absorbed back into the bloodstream, enter the bile and are partially excreted by the kidneys. An adult excretes 200-300 mg of bile pigments daily with feces and 1-2 mg with urine. Bile pigments are always found in gallstones.

In newborns, the level of direct bilirubin can be much higher - 17.1-205.2 µmol / l. An increase in the concentration of bilirubin in the blood is called bilirubinemia.

High bilirubin - causes, types of jaundice
Bilirubinemia is accompanied by the appearance of yellow coloration of the skin, sclera of the eyes and mucous membranes. Therefore, diseases associated with bilirubinemia are called jaundice. Bilirubinemia can be of hepatic origin (in diseases of the liver and biliary tract) and non-hepatic (in hemolytic anemia). Separately, there is jaundice in newborns. An increase in the concentration of total bilirubin in the range of 23-27 µmol / l indicates the presence of latent jaundice in humans, and at a concentration of total bilirubin above 27 µmol / l, a characteristic yellow color appears. In newborns, jaundice develops when the concentration of total bilirubin in the blood is above 51-60 µmol / l. Hepatic jaundice is of two types - parenchymal and obstructive. Parenchymal jaundice includes:

• hepatitis (viral, toxic)
• cirrhosis of the liver
• toxic liver damage (poisoning with alcohol, poisons, salts of heavy metals)
• tumors or metastases to the liver

• pregnancy (not always)
• pancreatic tumor
• cholestasis (blockage of the bile duct by stones)

Non-hepatic jaundice refers to jaundice that develops against the background of various hemolytic anemias.

Diagnosis of various types of jaundice
To distinguish what kind of jaundice we are talking about, the ratio of different fractions of bilirubin is used. These data are presented in the table.

Causes of jaundice in newborns

Newborn jaundice due to other reasons. Consider the reasons formation of jaundice in newborns:

• in the fetus and newborn, the mass of red blood cells and, consequently, the concentration of hemoglobin, per fetal weight, is greater than in an adult. Within a few weeks after birth, there is an intense breakdown of "extra" erythrocytes, which is manifested by jaundice
• the ability of the newborn's liver to remove bilirubin from the blood, formed as a result of the breakdown of "extra" erythrocytes, low
• hereditary disease - Gilbert's disease
• since the intestines of the newborn are sterile, therefore the rate of formation of stercobilinogen and urobilinogen is reduced
• premature babies

How to take an analysis?
To determine the concentration of bilirubin, blood is taken from a vein, in the morning, on an empty stomach. You should not eat or drink for at least 4-5 hours before the procedure. The determination is carried out by the unified method of Endrashik. This method is easy to use, takes little time, and is accurate.

Urea - the norm, the reasons for the increase, decrease, how to pass the analysis

Urea norm and physiological increase in urea

So, physiological uremia develops with:

• unbalanced diet (rich in proteins or low in chlorides)
• fluid loss from the body - vomiting, diarrhea, profuse sweating, etc.

Causes of increased urea
So, uremia develops against the background of the following diseases:

• chronic and acute renal failure
• glomerulonephritis
• anuria (lack of urine, the person does not urinate)
• stones, tumors in the ureters, urethra
• diabetes
• burns
• gastrointestinal bleeding
• intestinal obstruction
• poisoning with chloroform, mercury salts, phenol
• heart failure
• parenchymal jaundice (hepatitis, cirrhosis)

Decreased urea - causes
Decreased urea concentration in the blood is rare. This is mainly observed with increased protein breakdown (intensive physical work), with high protein requirements (pregnancy, breastfeeding), with insufficient intake of protein from food. A relative decrease in the concentration of blood urea is possible - with an increase in the amount of fluid in the body (infusion). These phenomena are considered physiological. A pathological decrease in the concentration of blood urea is detected in some hereditary diseases (for example, celiac disease), as well as in severe liver damage (necrosis, cirrhosis at a late stage, poisoning with salts of heavy metals, phosphorus, arsenic).

How to take an analysis
The determination of the concentration of urea is carried out in the blood taken from a vein in the morning, on an empty stomach. Before passing the analysis, it is necessary to refrain from eating for 6-8 hours, and also avoid strong physical exertion. Currently, urea is determined by the enzymatic method, which is specific, accurate, quite simple and does not require long time-consuming. Also, some laboratories use the urease method. However, the enzymatic method is preferred.

Creatinine - the norm, the reason for the increase, how to get tested

Creatinine norm

Causes of increased creatinine
Increasing blood creatine creatininemia - a diagnostic sign of the development of pathological processes in the kidneys and the muscular system. Creatininemia is detected in acute and chronic nephritis (glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis), nephrosis and nephrosclerosis, as well as thyrotoxicosis (thyroid disease) or muscle damage (trauma, compression, etc.). Taking certain medications also forms an increased blood creatinine content . These drugs include - vitamin C, reserpine, ibuprofen, cefazolin, sulfonamides, tetracycline, mercury compounds.

In addition to determining the concentration of creatinine in the diagnosis of kidney diseases, the Rehberg test is used. This test assesses the cleansing function of the kidneys based on the determination of creatinine in the blood and urine, as well as the subsequent calculation of glomerular filtration and reabsorption.

How to take an analysis
Determination of creatinine concentration is carried out in blood from a vein taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Before taking the test, it is necessary to abstain from food for 6-8 hours. On the eve, you should not abuse meat food. To date, the determination of creatinine concentration is carried out by the enzymatic method. The method is highly sensitive, specific, reliable and simple.

Uric acid - the norm, the reasons for the increase, decrease, how to get tested

Low uric acid levels - causes
Low uric acid is rare. In healthy people, this phenomenon occurs with a diet poor in purines. A pathological decrease in the level of uric acid accompanies hereditary diseases - Wilson-Konovalov's disease, Fanconi anemia.

How to pass the analysis?
An analysis to determine uric acid must be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach, blood from a vein. Preparation does not require special measures - just do not abuse food rich in purines. Uric acid is determined by the enzymatic method. The method is widespread, simple, convenient and reliable.

Biochemical analysis of blood today is used very often as an auxiliary method in diagnosing. Moreover, the definition of certain indicators is important for specialists in all areas and profiles. One of the most frequently studied indicators is albumin or protein fractions in a biochemical blood test. So if the doctor has prescribed an analysis for protein or protein fractions, then our article will be interesting and useful to you. Let's take a closer look at what albumin is and for what purpose is this component being studied?

Albumin in the blood, what is it?

Albumin is the main, key protein in human blood plasma, and makes up approximately 50-65% of the total amount of all plasma. This component is synthesized in the liver, and the lifetime of albumin is approximately 15-20 days. 1 albumin molecule includes a great variety of amino acids, up to six hundred varieties. But still, these protein fractions of the blood belong to a low molecular weight, simple protein group. The main composition of proteins is located in the peripheral blood, but there is also a “spare” part, which is located in the lymph, in the fluids of the spinal cord and intercellular space.

Proteins are extremely important for the full functioning of the human body. Albumin is no exception, circulating in the blood, it performs a number of vital purposes:

• binds and transports various substances in the body (eg hormones, acids, bilirubin, calcium, cholesterol, etc.), i.e. carries out a transport function in the body - this is one of the main tasks of this protein fraction;
• maintains pressure in the blood plasma, thanks to this, in a person whose albumin in the blood is within the normal range, fluid and blood flow do not come out and edema does not appear;
• it is also impossible not to note the reserve function of albumin, because protein molecules store huge reserves of amino acids, which are essential for the proper functioning of the body, during prolonged starvation, they are the first to be consumed.

Blood protein fractions are separate subgroups of proteins, a change in the ratio of which can give the doctor more important information in diagnosing than the result of an analysis for "total protein".

The level of albumin is the most important value by which the overall health of a person is assessed. In addition, deviations in the indicator can signal the presence of rheumatic and oncological diseases, pathologies of the liver or kidneys.

Norm in the blood

As for the norm of protein in the blood, the corresponding boundaries are set for people, based on the age category of the subject, while the gender does not make a significant difference. Therefore, speaking about the normal values ​​of albumin, the doctor relies only on the age division scheme.

So, for young children, an indicator from 25 to 50 g / l is considered normal;

For older children up to 14 years of age, an indicator of 38 to 54 g / l will be acceptable;

For an older population from 14 to 60 years, albumin in the blood is 33-55 g / l;

And in older people over 60 years old, a slight decrease in the level to 34-48 g / l is acceptable.

In a biochemical study, the analysis can show a reduced protein in the blood during pregnancy, as well as during lactation, and is most often equal to 30-34 g / l. After the birth of a child or the end of breastfeeding, the indicator should return to normal.

If it is revealed that albumin in the blood is increased or decreased, then this may be due to both external and hidden, internal changes, which often signal the development of an “unhealthy” process in the body.

Albumin increased

The doctor ascertains hyperalbuminemia if the result of the study showed that this protein in the blood is above normal. This is most often indicative of dehydration. This happens, for example, with prolonged diarrhea, vomiting, severe fluid loss. In a state of dehydration, a person’s blood thickens greatly, which can have an extremely negative impact on overall health.

The situation when albumin is elevated in the blood is quite rare. However, hyperalbuminonemia can still accompany some pathological processes occurring in the body. If the protein in the blood is elevated, the causes may be associated with the development of the following diseases:

• cholera;
• intestinal obstruction;
• lupus erythematosus;
• diabetes;
• hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver;
• diabetes;
• received multiple burns;
• taking certain medications (in particular corticosteroids or bromsulfalein).

There are some non-drug ways to lower the protein in the blood. First of all, you need to reconsider your habitual lifestyle. Recommended:

• stick to a diet, eating foods low in protein and carbohydrates, avoid fried, salty and sweet;
• do not drink alcoholic beverages, since the kidney, which is affected by alcohol, cannot fully synthesize and absorb proteins;
• do not smoke, as chronic smokers have an increased risk of developing hypertension, and blood pressure rises more often, but it is better to give up the bad habit gradually;
• drinking more fluids is the main recommendation for elevated albumin levels, since dehydration is the most common cause of overestimation.

For more severe situations, medical intervention is likely to be required. In this case, only a doctor will be able to choose the right drug from the group of inhibitors or statins.

Reasons for the downgrade

Hypoalbuminemia is a condition in which the level of the protein fraction in question is lowered, and is less than 25-30 g / l. Reduced protein in the blood is a reason for the doctor to suspect that a person has some pathological conditions, such as:

• tumor formations;
• nephritis;
• leukemia, blood poisoning;
• heart failure;
• hepatic insufficiency;
• rheumatic diseases;
• severe injuries and burns;
• transferred prolonged and heavy bleeding;
• other hereditary diseases that lead to a decrease in proteins in the body.

If we talk not about pathological, but about physiological reasons, then it is often found that protein in the blood is lowered during pregnancy, because a woman during the period of bearing a child “shares” with him all the necessary components, including protein ones. You can fill the deficiency with the help of a properly selected balanced diet.

It is important to note that a decrease in albumin sometimes occurs while taking certain drugs, especially if they are overdosed.

Also, a decrease in the indicator among cigarette lovers is often noted. The same applies to people who abuse alcohol.

As for ways to increase albumin in the blood, first of all, experts advise paying attention to foods that are consumed daily and giving preference to those that have a high protein content. These include eggs, dairy/sour milk drinks, meat/chicken, oatmeal, fish and seafood.

Poor performance is often associated with a deterioration in the functioning of the liver, which means that the second task is to eliminate all negative factors for it. To a greater extent, this is excessive salt intake, alcohol abuse, the presence of acute infectious / viral diseases, the presence of obesity, long-term drug treatment.

Another effective way to increase protein in the blood is to use a special herbal drink, which can be found in a pharmacy as liver tea or collection. It will help normalize the proper functioning of the liver, cleanse it of harmful and toxic substances, and improve the overall well-being of a person. Such a drink has practically no contraindications and side effects, but still, before drinking, it is better to coordinate the intake with your doctor.

Periodically, on your own initiative, donate blood for research, monitor your own health and well-being!