Albuminserplnephmcnc
A blood test that measures the level of albumin, a key protein in your blood, to evaluate liver function and nutritional status.
{"Albumin is a protein produced by the liver that helps maintain fluid balance in the body","Low albumin levels may indicate liver disease, kidney problems, or malnutrition","The test uses nephelometry, a laboratory technique that measures protein concentration by light scattering","Results are often interpreted alongside other liver function tests","No special preparation is typically needed, but follow your doctor's instructions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 101198-0
- Short code
- ALB
- Synonyms
- Albumin SerPl Neph-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 – 60 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- nephelometry
- CPT
- 82040
- SNOMED
- 31314009
- Specimen volume
- 0.5-1.0 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Serum Albumin test measures the amount of albumin in your blood. Albumin is the most abundant protein in your blood and is produced by your liver. This test uses a technique called nephelometry, which measures how light scatters when shined through a blood sample to determine the concentration of albumin.
What does albumin do?
Albumin plays several important roles in your body: it helps maintain fluid balance by keeping fluid inside your blood vessels, transports hormones, vitamins, and medications through your bloodstream, and helps maintain proper blood pressure. Healthy albumin levels are essential for overall health and proper organ function.
Why is this test ordered?
Your doctor may order this test as part of a routine health checkup or to evaluate specific conditions. It helps assess liver function, since the liver produces albumin. It also checks nutritional status, helps diagnose kidney disease (where albumin may leak into urine), and monitors conditions like 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 blood is then sent to a laboratory where nephelometry is used to measure your albumin levels. The procedure is quick and similar to any routine blood test.
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
Do I need to fast before this test?
What do abnormal albumin levels mean?
Is the test safe?
How often should I have this test?
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