Albumiinikorjaus

Albumiinikorjaus, often translated as albumin correction, is a method used in laboratory settings and clinical practice to adjust laboratory test results for variations in serum albumin levels. Albumin is the most abundant protein in blood plasma and plays a crucial role in maintaining oncotic pressure and transporting various substances, including electrolytes, drugs, and hormones. Certain laboratory tests, particularly those measuring calcium, are significantly influenced by albumin concentration. As albumin levels decrease, the measured concentration of total calcium in the blood also decreases, even if the physiologically active ionized calcium remains unchanged. This can lead to misinterpretation of test results, potentially suggesting hypocalcemia when it is not clinically present.

Albumiinikorjaus is typically applied to calcium measurements. The principle behind the correction is that a portion of the calcium in the blood is bound to albumin, and this binding is reversible. When albumin levels are low, less calcium is bound, leading to a lower total calcium measurement. The corrected calcium value aims to estimate what the calcium level would be if the albumin concentration were within a normal range. A common formula used for albumin correction involves adding a calculated amount to the measured total calcium for every gram per deciliter the albumin level is below a reference value, or subtracting if it is above. This correction helps clinicians assess true calcium status more accurately, differentiating between true hypocalcemia and pseudo-hypocalcemia caused by hypoalbuminemia. While valuable, it is important to remember that albumin correction is an estimation and other factors can also influence calcium levels.