Serum Albumin Test
A blood test that measures the level of albumin, a vital protein produced by the liver, to help evaluate liver function, nutritional status, kidney health, and your body's fluid balance, often as part of routine or comprehensive blood work.
{"Albumin is a protein made by the liver that helps maintain blood volume and transports nutrients","Low albumin levels may indicate liver disease, kidney problems, or malnutrition","High albumin levels are less common but can indicate dehydration","The test requires a simple blood draw","Results are often interpreted together with other liver function tests"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111419-8
- Short code
- ALB
- Synonyms
- Albumin Msmt SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST/gel tube) or plain red top tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- 1.5 not specified – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Bromocresol green (BCG) spectrophotometric assay
- CPT
- 82040
- SNOMED
- 270-3
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 0.5 mL serum; preferred 1.0 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature (20-25°C): 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The serum albumin test measures the amount of albumin in your blood. Albumin is a protein produced by the liver that plays several important roles in your body: it helps maintain proper fluid balance in your blood vessels, transports hormones, vitamins, and medications, and supports tissue repair and growth.
Why is this test performed?
Your doctor may order this test to: assess how well your liver is functioning, check your nutritional status, evaluate kidney function (since damaged kidneys may leak albumin into urine), monitor certain chronic diseases, or help diagnose conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. You do not need to fast before this test, though your doctor may instruct you otherwise based on your specific situation.
Understanding your results
Normal albumin levels typically range from 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL (35 to 50 g/L). However, reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your overall health and other test findings.
Reference range
3.5-5.0 g/dLnot specified
No fasting or special preparation required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the albumin test?
What can cause low albumin levels?
Is the albumin test dangerous?
How often should I have my albumin levels checked?
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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy