Adult: 3.5–5 g/dL; SI units: 35–50 g/L
Child: 3.8–5.4 g/dL; SI units: 38–54 g/L
. Red-top tube.
■ Main plasma protein; helps maintain osmotic pressure.
Decreased albumin causes fluid shifts and resultant edema.
■ Levels decrease in renal or hepatic disease, acute infection,
malnutrition, malignancy, diabetes, and many other chronic
and acute conditions.
