Serum Albumin (Electrophoresis)
This test measures the amount of albumin, a key protein in your blood that helps maintain fluid balance and supports the immune system.
["Albumin helps keep fluids in your blood vessels and supports your body’s ability to fight infections."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 102893-5
- Short code
- CATALB
- Synonyms
- Cat Serum Alb IgE RAST
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.35
- Ref high
- 0.69
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Radioallergosorbent test (RAST)
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 395147008
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable at room temperature for 8 hours; refrigerated at 2-8°C for 7 days; frozen at -20°C for up to 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order an albumin test to check for conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or dehydration. It can also help monitor how well your body is retaining fluids or responding to treatments for certain illnesses.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw a blood sample. This is usually quick and painless, though some people feel slight discomfort.
What the Results Mean
Albumin levels can vary based on health, diet, and medical conditions. Lower than expected levels may suggest problems with your liver, kidneys, or nutrition, while higher levels might indicate dehydration or certain medical treatments.
Common Conditions Affecting Albumin
Low albumin is often linked to chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, severe infections, or poor nutrition. High levels can sometimes be seen in dehydration or conditions that reduce fluid loss from tissues.
Reference range
Negative: <0.35 kU/L; Equivocal: 0.35-0.69 kU/L; Positive: ≥0.70 kU/L. Results expressed as presence/absence of specific IgE antibodies against cat serum albumin allergen (Fel d 2).N/A
No fasting required. Patients should avoid antihistamine use only if skin prick testing is also planned. No special preparation needed for serum IgE testing. Inform clinician of any current medications, especially immunosuppressants.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Albumin Level
Frequently asked questions
What questions might you have?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet affect albumin levels?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy