Serum or plasma concentration of albumin (mass concentration)
Albumin is a protein found in your blood that helps maintain fluid balance and supports immune function. Your doctor may order this test to check for conditions affecting protein levels, kidney function, or nutritional status.
["Albumin helps regulate fluid balance and immune health; low levels may signal kidney issues or malnutrition."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 62256-3
- Short code
- aacA Islt/Spm Ql
- Synonyms
- aacA Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- molgen
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order an albumin test to evaluate overall protein levels in your blood. This can help diagnose or monitor conditions such as kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or certain infections. It may also be used to assess how well your body is retaining fluids or responding to treatments.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves drawing blood. If you’re taking medications, let your healthcare provider know. Avoid strenuous activity or heavy meals before the draw.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will insert a needle into a vein in your arm to collect a blood sample. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort or bruising afterward.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported as a mass concentration (e.g., grams per deciliter). Low albumin levels may indicate conditions like protein-losing disorders, kidney disease, or severe infections, while very high levels could suggest dehydration or chronic inflammation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Albumin levels are critical for diagnosing and managing conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, malnutrition, or inflammatory diseases. Abnormal results may prompt further testing to identify underlying causes, such as dietary deficiencies, organ dysfunction, or immune disorders. Monitoring albumin can also guide treatment decisions for conditions like burns or severe infections.
Short name
Albumin Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes low albumin levels?
What causes high albumin levels?
How often should I get this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy