The serum albumin test is a simple blood test that measures how much albumin, a vital protein made by your liver, is circulating in your bloodstream and helps your care team assess how well your liver and kidneys are working.
During this test, a small blood sample is analyzed to measure the level of albumin, an important protein produced by the liver, so your doctor can evaluate your liver and kidney function and detect possible health problems.
{"Albumin is a protein made by the liver that helps maintain fluid balance in the body","Low albumin levels may indicate liver disease, kidney problems, or malnutrition","The test is performed on a blood sample collected from a vein in your arm","Results help doctors diagnose and monitor conditions affecting your liver and kidneys"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43712-9
- Short code
- ALB
- Synonyms
- Albumin SerPl Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) 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 years
- Method
- Immunoturbidimetric assay or Bromocresol green (BCG) dye-binding method
- CPT
- 82040
- SNOMED
- 27018004
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL of blood
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 30 days; Frozen (-20°C): 12 months
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The serum albumin test measures the amount of albumin protein in your blood. Albumin is a crucial protein produced by your liver that helps maintain fluid balance between your blood and surrounding tissues. It also carries important substances like hormones, vitamins, and medications throughout your body.
Why is this test performed?
Your doctor may order this test to check how well your liver is functioning, as the liver produces albumin. It is also used to evaluate kidney function, because damaged kidneys may allow albumin to leak into urine. The test helps diagnose conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, and malnutrition.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood is collected into a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure only takes a few minutes and is generally well tolerated.
What do the results mean?
Normal albumin levels typically range from 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL (35 to 50 g/L). Low albumin may indicate liver disease (such as cirrhosis or hepatitis), kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome), malnutrition, or inflammatory conditions. High albumin is less common and may indicate dehydration or concentrated blood due to other causes.
Reference range
Adult: 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.
The albumin test is a key indicator of liver function. Reduced albumin production by the liver can signal chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. In kidney disease, especially nephrotic syndrome, the kidneys leak albumin into urine, causing low blood albumin levels. Malabsorption or poor nutrition can also lead to decreased albumin. Monitoring albumin levels helps doctors assess disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Is the test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What can affect my albumin levels?
Will I need follow-up tests?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
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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