The Albumin by Electrophoresis test measures albumin, the most abundant protein in your blood. Albumin is made by your liver and helps carry hormones, vitamins, and medicines through your body while keeping fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels into your tissues.
This test measures the amount of albumin protein in your body fluid, usually blood serum, using a technique called electrophoresis, which separates proteins by their electrical charge and size so your albumin level can be measured precisely.
{"Albumin is an important protein made by your liver that helps maintain fluid balance","Electrophoresis separates proteins to measure different types accurately","Results help diagnose liver disease, kidney problems, and nutritional status","The test uses a blood sample collected from a vein","Abnormal results may indicate various health conditions requiring further evaluation"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43212-0
- Short code
- ALBFLUIDELEC
- Synonyms
- Albumin Fld Elph-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red top serum tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- 1.5 not specified – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 82150 (Protein, electrophoresis)
- SNOMED
- 394914008
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of body fluid; concurrently collected serum specimen recommended
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 72 hours; frozen (-20°C) for longer storage up to 2 weeks
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Albumin by Electrophoresis test measures the concentration of albumin protein in your body fluid, most commonly blood serum. Albumin is the most abundant protein in your blood and is produced by your liver. This test uses a laboratory technique called electrophoresis, which separates proteins based on their electrical charge and size, allowing for precise measurement of albumin levels.
Why is this test performed?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate your liver function, check your nutritional status, or investigate symptoms such as swelling (edema), unexplained weight loss, or fatigue. It is also used to monitor certain chronic conditions and to help diagnose diseases that affect protein metabolism in your body.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood is then sent to a laboratory where technicians use electrophoresis to separate and measure the albumin protein. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes, and you may experience slight discomfort or bruising at the puncture site.
How to prepare for the test?
In most cases, no special preparation is needed for this test. Your healthcare provider may ask you to fast for several hours before the test if other blood tests are being done at the same time. Always inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or vitamins you are taking, as some substances may affect test results.
Understanding your results
Normal albumin levels vary slightly depending on the laboratory and your individual health factors. Your test report will show your albumin level along with the reference range considered normal. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results based on your overall health, symptoms, and other test findings.
Reference range
Adult: 3.5-5.0 g/dLnot specified
No special patient preparation required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia) may indicate liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, inflammation, or conditions that cause protein loss such as burns, certain digestive disorders, or chronic illnesses. High albumin levels (hyperalbuminemia) are less common and may occur due to dehydration or rarely, certain immune disorders.
This test is an important tool for assessing overall protein status and organ function. Abnormal results often lead to additional testing to determine the underlying cause. Your healthcare provider will consider your complete medical history and other test results when interpreting your albumin levels.
Frequently asked questions
Does the test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat before the test?
What happens if my results are abnormal?
Is this test safe?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy