Serum or plasma concentration of albumin (mass concentration)
Albumin is a protein found in your blood that helps maintain fluid balance and supports immune function. Low levels may indicate kidney disease, malnutrition, or liver problems.
["Albumin helps keep fluids in your bloodstream and supports healing—low levels may signal underlying health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 23069-8
- Short code
- EAV Ab Titr Ser CF
- Synonyms
- EAV Ab Titr Ser CF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- comp-fix
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Albumin Matters in Your Health
Albumin plays a key role in transporting nutrients, hormones, and medications in your blood. It also helps maintain blood pressure by preventing fluid from leaking out of blood vessels into tissues. Low albumin can signal serious conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or severe infections.
What Can Affect Your Albumin Level?
Several factors can influence albumin levels, including diet (especially protein intake), kidney or liver disease, chronic infections, or certain medications. Stress, rapid weight loss, or severe burns can also temporarily lower albumin.
Common Causes of Low Albumin
Low albumin is often seen in conditions like kidney failure, cirrhosis, or malnutrition. Infections, severe burns, or certain medications (like diuretics or chemotherapy drugs) may also cause it. High albumin can sometimes occur in dehydration or certain inflammatory conditions.
When to Ask About Albumin Testing
Your doctor may order albumin testing if you have symptoms like swelling (edema), unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or signs of organ damage. It’s also part of routine checks for people with chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney disease.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Albumin levels are critical for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like protein-losing disorders, malnutrition, or severe infections. High or low levels can guide treatment plans, such as adjusting diet, managing kidney disease, or treating infections.
Short name
Albumin Level
Frequently asked questions
Why might my albumin test result be different from what I expected?
What should I do if my albumin level is low?
Can I prevent changes in my albumin level?
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