Albuminspiegel

Albuminspiegel refers to the concentration of albumin in blood serum or plasma. Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein, produced by the liver, and it contributes to the maintenance of colloid osmotic pressure as well as the transport of a wide range of substances, including fatty acids, bilirubin, hormones, and many drugs. In adults, the normal plasma concentration is roughly 35–50 g/L (3.5–5.0 g/dL), though reference ranges may vary by laboratory and measurement method.

Measurement of the Albuminspiegel is usually performed on a serum sample using colorimetric dye-binding assays or immunoassays. Common dye-based methods include bromocresol green and bromocresol purple; results can be reported in g/L or g/dL. Proper sample handling and method selection are important for accuracy, and results should be interpreted in the context of the laboratory’s reference range.

Clinical interpretation centers on hypoalbuminemia or hyperalbuminemia. Hypoalbuminemia, the more common condition, can result from decreased synthesis (liver disease such as cirrhosis, malnutrition, protein-calorie deficiency), increased loss (nephrotic syndrome, protein-losing enteropathy, extensive burns), or inflammatory states that suppress production. It is associated with edema and ascites due to reduced oncotic pressure. Hyperalbuminemia is rare and usually reflects dehydration or laboratory variation rather than a disease state.

Albuminspiegel is used alongside other clinical and laboratory assessments to evaluate nutritional status, liver and kidney function, and prognosis in chronic diseases. Interpretation should consider hydration status and systemic inflammation, as these factors can influence albumin levels independently of nutrition.