What it is: An albumin blood test measures the level of albumin, a protein made by the liver that maintains fluid balance in the bloodstream and helps transport hormones, vitamins, and other substances throughout the body.
Why it's ordered: Ordered when liver or kidney disease is suspected, or to assess nutritional status. It's commonly included in a comprehensive metabolic panel or liver panel rather than run alone.
What it detects: Low albumin (hypoalbuminemia) can point to liver disease, kidney disease (excess protein loss through urine), malnutrition, inflammation, or malabsorption. High albumin is less diagnostically significant and is usually just a sign of dehydration.
Collection & prep: A standard blood draw from a vein in the arm. No special preparation is required, though fasting may be requested if albumin is being tested alongside other panel components, and certain medications can affect results.
Results:
Low – may indicate liver disease, kidney disease, inflammation, or poor protein intake
Normal – albumin production and loss are balanced
High – usually reflects dehydration rather than an underlying disease
Possible complications of low albumin: Significantly low albumin (below about 2.0 g/dL) can lead to edema, since albumin normally keeps fluid inside blood vessels. An abnormal result on its own isn't diagnostic and typically prompts further testing to pinpoint the cause.
Statements made in the Clinical Manual have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
