albumin gradient

albumin gradient

A lab value defined as serum albumin minus ascites albumin, which may be useful in linking ascites to portal hypertension. Albumin gradients of >1.1 g/L are typical of transudates, which are usually due to an oncotic pressure gradient between the high systemic arterial pressure and the low ascitic fluid pressure. Albumin gradients of <1.1 g/L occur in exudates which also have high protein levels.

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