Dehydration has what effect on serum albumin levels?

Dehydration has what effect on serum albumin levels?

• A. Increases
• B. Decreases
• C. No change
• D. Variable depending on hydration status

Answer: (A)

Dehydration concentrates the dissolved components in blood because plasma volume is reduced. Albumin is a major plasma protein, so its concentration rises as the same amount of albumin is present in a smaller volume of plasma. This is a hemoconcentration effect—the total amount of albumin doesn’t suddenly increase; it’s the concentration that goes up due to decreased intravascular fluid. When hydration is restored, plasma volume expands and albumin concentration returns toward baseline. So dehydration leads to an apparent increase in serum albumin levels.

Dehydration concentrates the dissolved components in blood because plasma volume is reduced. Albumin is a major plasma protein, so its concentration rises as the same amount of albumin is present in a smaller volume of plasma. This is a hemoconcentration effect—the total amount of albumin doesn’t suddenly increase; it’s the concentration that goes up due to decreased intravascular fluid. When hydration is restored, plasma volume expands and albumin concentration returns toward baseline. So dehydration leads to an apparent increase in serum albumin levels.