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 can be checked to assess kidney function, nutritional status, or detect conditions like liver disease.
["Albumin helps keep fluids in your blood vessels and supports your immune system—low levels may signal health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 11215-1
- Short code
- D-ALA Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- D-ALA Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order an albumin test to evaluate kidney function, check for liver disease, assess nutritional health, or monitor conditions like chronic inflammation or heart failure. It’s also sometimes used in screening for certain medical conditions or to monitor treatment responses.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves drawing blood from a vein. If you’re taking medications, let your provider know, as they may affect results.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare provider will insert a needle into a vein (often in your arm) to draw a blood sample. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes 10–30 minutes, depending on the clinic’s process.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported as a mass concentration (e.g., grams per deciliter). While reference ranges vary by lab, very low levels may suggest malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems, while very high levels could indicate dehydration or certain inflammatory conditions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Albumin Level
Frequently asked questions
What are the normal reference ranges for this test?
How long does it take to get my test results?
Can diet or medications 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy