Albumin Test
Also known as: Serum Albumin, ALB
What is Albumin?
Albumin is a protein made by the liver that keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels, transports substances, and provides nutrition to tissues.[MedlinePlus (NIH)]
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of albumin protein in your blood. It reflects liver function and nutritional status.[Mayo Clinic]
Why It's Important
Albumin levels indicate liver synthetic function and nutritional status.[MedlinePlus (NIH)]
Low albumin can cause edema (swelling) and is a marker of chronic disease severity.[Cleveland Clinic]
Who Should Get This Test?
Albumin testing assesses liver function and nutritional status.
Risk Factors
- Routine health screening (part of comprehensive metabolic panel)
- Suspected liver disease or cirrhosis
- Kidney disease evaluation (nephrotic syndrome)
- Edema or swelling of unknown cause
- Malnutrition or poor dietary intake
- Chronic illness (inflammatory conditions, cancer)
- Before major surgery
- Monitoring critically ill patients
- Gastrointestinal disorders affecting absorption
- Burns or significant wounds
Screening Schedule
Often included in routine CMP. More frequent testing for chronic liver or kidney disease.
What Happens During the Test
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. Albumin is typically measured as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel or liver panel.
Duration
5 minutes for the blood draw; results usually available within 24 hours
Discomfort Level
Minimal - brief pinch from needle insertion
Risks & Side Effects
Albumin testing through blood draw carries very few risks.
- •Minor pain or bruising at the needle site
- •Slight bleeding
- •Rarely, lightheadedness
- •Very rare risk of infection
Normal Range
3.5 to 5.0 g/dL.
Note: Levels may be lower in older adults and during pregnancy.
Source: MedlinePlus (NIH)Unit Conversion
Convert between g/dL and g/L
| g/dL | g/L |
|---|---|
| 2.5 | 25 |
| 3 | 30 |
| 3.5 | 35 |
| 4 | 40 |
| 4.5 | 45 |
| 5 | 50 |
High Values
High albumin is usually due to dehydration, not overproduction.[Cleveland Clinic]
Low Values
Low albumin (hypoalbuminemia) can indicate liver disease, kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome), malnutrition, inflammation, or burns.[MedlinePlus (NIH)]
Test Limitations & Accuracy
Albumin levels are affected by many factors beyond liver function.
- ⚠Inflammation lowers albumin (negative acute phase reactant)
- ⚠Dehydration falsely elevates albumin
- ⚠Pregnancy normally lowers albumin
- ⚠Half-life of 20 days - slow to change with acute illness
- ⚠Does not reflect recent dietary protein intake
- ⚠IV fluids can dilute albumin levels
- ⚠Position during blood draw affects levels (higher when standing)
Alternative & Complementary Tests
Albumin is interpreted alongside other tests for comprehensive assessment.
More sensitive to recent nutritional changes (half-life 2 days)
Often measured together; difference is globulins
To assess liver synthetic function
To detect kidney albumin loss
To assess if low albumin is due to inflammation
References
Related Condition Guides
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for interpretation of test results and medical decisions.
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