Albumin Test
This test measures the amount of albumin, a vital protein made by your liver, in your blood to help your healthcare provider evaluate how well your liver and kidneys are working.
{"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","This test is commonly part of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)","The test requires a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm","Results are typically ready within a day or two"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32293-3
- Short code
- ALB
- Synonyms
- Albumin Spec-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
- 2 not specified – 6 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Bromocresol green (BCG) or bromocresol purple (BCP) colorimetric assay using spectrophotometry
- CPT
- 82040
- SNOMED
- 248437008
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 3 months
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The albumin test measures the amount of albumin, a protein produced by your liver, in your blood. Albumin is the most abundant protein in your blood and plays several vital roles in maintaining your health. It helps regulate the balance of fluids in your body, transports important substances like hormones, vitamins, and medications, and provides your tissues with essential nutrients.
Why is this test performed?
Your healthcare provider may order an albumin test as part of a routine health checkup or to monitor certain medical conditions. It is commonly included in a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) or liver function tests. The test helps doctors evaluate how well your liver is functioning, as the liver produces albumin. It can also help detect kidney disease, as damaged kidneys may allow albumin to leak into urine. Additionally, the test may be used to assess nutritional status, particularly in people who are malnourished or have conditions that affect protein absorption.
How to prepare for the test
The albumin test typically requires no special preparation. However, since it is often performed as part of a larger blood panel, your doctor may ask you to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 8-12 hours before the test. Always follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Be sure to inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, as certain drugs may affect the test results.
What happens during the test?
During the test, a healthcare professional will clean the skin on your arm with an antiseptic wipe and place a tight band (tourniquet) around your upper arm to make the veins more visible. A sterile needle will then be inserted into a vein, and a small amount of blood will be collected into a tube. You may feel a brief pinch or stinging sensation. After the blood is collected, the needle is removed, and pressure is applied to the puncture site to stop any bleeding. The entire process usually takes less than five minutes.
Understanding your results
Normal albumin levels typically range from 3.5 to 5.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL). However, the exact reference range may vary slightly depending on the laboratory that analyzes your blood. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your overall health, medical history, and other test findings. It is important to remember that a single test result is only one piece of information—your healthcare provider will consider all factors when making a diagnosis or determining treatment.
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.
Low albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia) can indicate several health problems, including liver disease such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, kidney disease that causes protein loss in urine (nephrotic syndrome), malnutrition or poor protein absorption, chronic inflammatory conditions, or heart failure. Symptoms of low albumin may include swelling (edema) in the legs, abdomen, or face, fatigue, weakness, and frequent infections.
High albumin levels (hyperalbuminemia) are less common and are usually due to dehydration or severe diarrhea. In some cases, high albumin may be caused by high protein diets or certain medications. Since albumin is a marker of overall health, abnormal levels should be discussed with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Is the albumin test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to do anything special after the test?
Can albumin levels change over time?
What other tests might be done with albumin?
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