The albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio compares the amount of albumin in your blood to the total globulins, giving a quick read on the balance between your liver’s main protein and your immune and transport proteins. It is calculated from a standard total protein test, so you rarely order it on its own.
| Measure | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Albumin/globulin ratio | About 1.0 to 2.1 (slightly above 1) |
Ranges vary between labs, so compare to the range on your own lab report.
What the A/G ratio measures
The A/G ratio divides your albumin level by your globulin level, both measured in grams per deciliter from the same blood draw. Albumin is the main protein your liver produces, while globulins are a mixed group that includes antibodies and transport and clotting proteins. Because the ratio weighs these two categories against each other, it flags shifts in protein balance that a single value can miss.
What high or low levels mean
A low A/G ratio is the more common flag and usually reflects either less albumin, more globulin, or both. Reduced albumin points to lower liver synthesis, malnutrition, or protein lost through diseased kidneys, while raised globulins suggest chronic inflammation, ongoing infection, autoimmune activity, or multiple myeloma. A high ratio is less common and can appear when globulins are low, as in some immune deficiencies, or when albumin looks concentrated from dehydration. Since hydration and short illnesses shift these proteins, you should treat one abnormal result as a prompt to recheck rather than a diagnosis. Follow up if the pattern persists or comes with swelling, weight loss, or recurrent infections.
A/G ratio FAQ
Is a low A/G ratio serious?
Not always. A mildly low ratio can follow a recent infection or mild inflammation, but a persistently low value warrants review of your albumin, globulin, and liver and kidney markers to find the cause.
Can dehydration change my A/G ratio?
Yes. Dehydration concentrates blood proteins and can nudge albumin and the ratio upward, which is why clinicians often repeat the test once you are well hydrated before acting on a single reading.
Do I need to fast for this test?
Usually no special fasting is needed for the ratio itself, though it is often drawn within a metabolic panel that may have its own preparation. Follow the instructions your lab provides. Read alongside albumin, globulin, and total protein to see the individual components behind the ratio.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Globulin Blood Test.
- University of Rochester Medical Center. Total Protein and A/G Ratio.
