Deciphering the Ranges of Lesser-Known Blood Markers

Family of globular proteins.

Understanding the ranges of blood markers is crucial to interpreting your blood test results. In this unit, we will focus on some of the lesser-known but equally important blood markers, including Albumin, Globulin, Bilirubin, and Alkaline Phosphatase.

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver and plays a vital role in maintaining the osmotic pressure that allows fluid to pass into and out of tissues. The normal range for albumin is 3.5 to 5.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL).

• High levels of albumin may indicate dehydration or severe diarrhea.
• Low levels of albumin can suggest liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition.

Globulin

Globulins are a group of proteins in your blood. They are made in your liver by your immune system. Globulins play an essential role in liver function, blood clotting, and fighting infection. The normal range for globulin is 2.0 to 3.5 g/dL.

• High levels of globulin might indicate infections, autoimmune diseases, or liver disorders.
• Low levels can be a sign of immune disorders, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a yellow compound that occurs in the normal catabolic pathway that leads to the breakdown of heme in vertebrates. The normal range for total bilirubin is 0.1 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

• High levels of bilirubin can indicate different types of liver problems, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, or a blockage of the bile ducts.
• Low levels of bilirubin aren't usually a concern and are not typically monitored.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in several tissues throughout the body, but primarily in the liver, bile ducts, and bone. The normal range is 44 to 147 international units per liter (IU/L).

• High levels of ALP can indicate liver disease or blockage, bone disorders, or certain infections.
• Low levels of ALP can suggest malnutrition, celiac disease, or certain genetic disorders.

Understanding these ranges and what it means if they are high or low is crucial for interpreting your blood test results. However, it's important to remember that these values can vary based on the laboratory that analyzes the blood sample. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a functional medicine practitioner to understand your results better.