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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
Increased protein levels may be seen in:
Dehydration
Liver disease
Tuberculosis
Lupus
Collagen vascular disease
Some cancers
Hemoconcentration
Decreased protein levels may be seen in:
Liver disease (decreased production)
Malnutrition (decreased production)
Diarrhea (increased loss)
Renal disease (increased loss)
Severe burns (increased loss)
Hemorrhage (increased loss)
Pregnancy (dilutional)
Normal Values*
Men-Women
3.8-5.0 g/dl
38-50 g/L
Pregnancy
3.0-4.0 g/dl
38-50 g/L
*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.
