Useful For

The detection of hypoalbuminemia and hyperalbuminemia.  Hypoalbuminemia is caused by several factors: impaired synthesis (due either to liver disease or diminished protein intake), increased catabolism as a result of tissue damage and inflammation, malabsorption of amino acids, and increased renal excretion (eg, nephrotic syndrome).  Hyperalbuminemia is of little diagnostic significance except in the case of dehydration.