Albuminserplelphmcnc
This test measures the amount of albumin in your blood using electrophoresis, helping evaluate liver and kidney function.
{"Albumin is a protein made by your liver that helps maintain fluid balance in your blood","Low albumin levels may indicate liver disease, kidney problems, or malnutrition","High albumin levels are rare but can indicate dehydration","The test uses a small blood sample and is often part of routine health checkups","Results help doctors diagnose and monitor various medical conditions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2862-1
- Short code
- ALB-EP
- Synonyms
- Albumin SerPl Elph-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST/gold top) 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
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 82040
- SNOMED
- 27044006
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The serum albumin test measures the level of albumin in your blood using a technique called electrophoresis. Albumin is the most abundant protein in your blood and is produced by your liver. This test is commonly included in liver function tests and comprehensive metabolic panels.
Why is albumin important?
Albumin serves several vital functions in your body: it helps maintain blood volume and pressure by keeping fluid inside blood vessels, transports important substances like hormones, vitamins, and medications, and helps maintain the right balance of fluids between your blood and surrounding tissues.
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 where electrophoresis is used to separate and measure the albumin protein. This procedure is quick and typically takes only a few minutes.
How to prepare for the test?
Usually, no special preparation is needed for this test. Your doctor may ask you to fast for 8-12 hours if other blood tests are being done at the same time. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions and inform them about any medications or supplements you are taking.
Reference range
3.5-5.0 g/dLnot specified
No special preparation or fasting required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal albumin level?
Does the test have any risks?
Can diet affect albumin levels?
How often should I have this test?
What happens if my albumin is low?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3ARUP Consult - AlbuminSource
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