Serum or plasma mass concentration of albumin
This test measures the amount of albumin, a protein found in your blood, which helps maintain fluid balance and supports immune function.
["Albumin levels help assess your body’s protein status and overall health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105022-8
- Short code
- NDM5PCR
- Synonyms
- blaNDM-5 Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof specimen container; transport medium or swab collection system appropriate for molecular testing
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 87153
- SNOMED
- 122451000119109
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum or appropriate specimen type (rectal swab, blood culture isolate, urine, or tissue per clinical indication)
- Stability
- Refrigerate at 2-8°C; stable for 24-48 hours. For prolonged storage, freeze at -70°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–48 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to check for conditions like malnutrition, kidney disease, liver problems, or infections. It can also help monitor long-term health in people with chronic illnesses. Albumin levels can drop if your body isn’t producing enough protein or if fluid is leaking into tissues (like swelling).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in your arm. If you’re on blood thinners, let your doctor know before the test to avoid unusual bleeding. If you’re pregnant or have a history of bleeding disorders, inform your healthcare provider as well.
What the Results Mean
Low albumin levels might indicate poor nutrition, liver or kidney disease, or conditions causing fluid loss. High levels are less common but could suggest dehydration or certain genetic disorders. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Common Conditions Linked to Albumin Levels
Low albumin is often seen in chronic diseases like heart failure, cirrhosis, or severe infections. It can also appear in conditions where protein is lost through urine (nephrotic syndrome) or excessive sweating. High levels are rare but may signal dehydration or certain metabolic issues.
Reference range
Negative (blaNDM-5 gene not detected)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Collect specimen prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy when possible. Avoid contamination during collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Albumin Level
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
What happens if my albumin level is out of range?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy