Home › Biomarkers › Albumin/globulin ratio
The albumin/globulin ratio shows how albumin and globulin in your blood relate to each other. A ratio that is too low can point to a liver or kidney condition, and a ratio that is too high to certain inherited conditions or a condition of the blood cells.[1]
On this page you can read what the albumin/globulin ratio is, what the guidelines say about a value that is too low or too high, what affects your value and which values are best to look at alongside it.
Also known as: A/G ratio, albumin-globulin ratio. At the lab: n/a.
The albumin/globulin ratio compares the amount of albumin in your blood with the amount of globulin. Albumin and globulin are the two largest groups of proteins in your blood. Albumin makes up the largest share. The rest are globulins.[1]
Albumin helps stop fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels. It also carries hormones, medicines, vitamins and other important substances around your body. Albumin is made in your liver. Globulins support your immune defences and carry nutrients; some come from your liver, some from your immune system.[1]
The ratio is measured in blood taken from a vein in your arm. It says something about how well your liver and kidneys are working and whether you are getting enough nutrients. An abnormal ratio can point to a liver or kidney condition. Your doctor always looks at the result together with your symptoms and other blood values.[1]
With certain conditions, your body can make too much or too little protein. Your result shows whether the balance between albumin and globulin is normal, too low or too high.[1]
Your doctor may order the test if you have symptoms that fit with an abnormal amount of protein. Think of swelling in your feet, ankles, legs or abdomen caused by extra fluid in your tissues. Tiredness, a reduced appetite, nausea and vomiting are also among them.[1]
A yellow colour of your skin or eyes can also be a reason. That often fits with a liver condition. Blood in your urine often fits with a kidney condition.[1]
| Result | Can point to | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Ratio too low[1] | an autoimmune disease | The source does not name a separate group |
| Ratio too low[1] | a liver condition | The source does not name a separate group |
| Ratio too low[1] | a kidney condition | The source does not name a separate group |
| Ratio too high[1] | certain hereditary conditions | The source does not name a separate group |
| Ratio too high[1] | a condition of the blood cells | The source does not name a separate group |
Source: MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. What a ratio that is too low or too high can point to; the source gives no cut-off values.[1]
A ratio that is too high can point to certain inherited conditions or a condition of the blood cells. Your doctor also looks at your symptoms, your medical history and other blood tests.[1]
A ratio that is too low can point to an autoimmune disease or a liver or kidney condition. If you have questions about your result, talk them through with your doctor.[1]
BioProfile is working on its own zones for each value, from risk to optimal. A doctor reviews those zones before they appear in your result.
You may need to stop taking certain medicines before the test. So tell your doctor about everything you take. Never stop a medicine on your own, only when your doctor tells you to.[1]
If the ratio is part of another blood test, you sometimes need to fast for a few hours. That means you eat and drink nothing. Your doctor will tell you whether this applies to you.[1]
Your doctor can also have albumin and globulins measured separately. A low albumin value can point to a condition of the liver, kidneys or thyroid, to too few nutrients or to severe burns. A high albumin value can point to severe dehydration or diarrhoea.[1]
If you are pregnant, a low albumin value is normal.[1]
Albumin/globulin ratio is included in BioProfile 77, 87, 121 and 150.[2]
The BioProfile editorial team wrote this page on 26 October 2026 from the sources below, which we read on 26 October 2026. Every number on this page comes from one of those sources, with that source's number next to it. An expert has yet to check this page; once that check is done, the expert's name and the date of the check will appear at the top. This page explains and does not diagnose. Discuss an abnormal value with your GP.
