Clinical Significance of Albumin 45 g/L and Alpha-2 Globulin 5 g/L
These values are within normal limits and do not indicate pathology. The albumin of 45 g/L falls in the normal range of 35-50 g/L, and the alpha-2 globulin of 5 g/L is also normal 1.
Interpretation of These Specific Values
Your albumin level of 45 g/L is normal and reassuring. This value sits comfortably within the reference range of 35-50 g/L (or 3.5-5.0 g/dL) when measured by electrophoretic methods 1. This indicates:
- Normal hepatic synthetic function, as albumin is produced exclusively by the liver 2
- Absence of significant protein loss through kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, or other routes 3
- No evidence of malnutrition or significant inflammation that would suppress albumin production 3
- Adequate hydration status, as dehydration would elevate albumin above this level 1
Alpha-2 Globulin Assessment
The alpha-2 globulin level of 5 g/L is normal. This fraction includes haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, and alpha-2 macroglobulin 4, 5. Normal alpha-2 globulin levels indicate:
- No active inflammatory process, as alpha-2 globulins are acute phase reactants that rise during inflammation 5
- No evidence of reticuloses or lymphoproliferative disorders, which characteristically elevate alpha-2 globulins 5
- No diabetic microangiopathy concerns, as the alpha-2 globulin to albumin ratio is normal 4
Clinical Context
No further workup is needed based solely on these values. The albumin/alpha-2 globulin ratio is approximately 9:1, which is normal and indicates absence of active disease 6. This ratio is more clinically useful than either value alone for detecting occult pathology 6.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not assume these normal values rule out all disease, as albumin can remain normal in early liver disease until >70% of synthetic function is lost 2
- Confirm the laboratory method used, as bromcresol green versus bromcresol purple methods have different reference ranges and the BCG method may overestimate albumin by 0.61 g/dL in the low range 1
- Recognize that albumin has a long half-life (approximately 20 days), so acute nutritional changes or recent illness may not yet be reflected 2