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Serum proteins are primarily albumin (50-60%, produced by the liver), but
also include globulins, and other proteins.
Serum proteins:
- Maintain water balance in the blood through osmotic pressure
- Transport blood components and nutritional elements
- Help the immune system
- Help with coagulation
Although albumin is made exclusively in the liver, globulins are produced
in many sites throughout the body. Thus, whether total protein is normal,
elevated, or low, a decrease in the A/G ratio often indicates the presence
of impaired liver function.
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Normal Values*
*These are general values taken from a variety of
sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one
type of testing protocol to another.
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