Serum or plasma concentration of albumin
Albumin is a protein found in your blood that helps maintain fluid balance and supports immune function. Your doctor may order this test to check for conditions like malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems.
["Albumin helps keep fluids where they belong in your body and supports your immune system."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 90228-8
- Short code
- ENA Ab.IgG pnl Ser
- Synonyms
- ENA Ab.IgG pnl Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order albumin tests to diagnose or monitor conditions such as malnutrition, kidney disease, liver disease, or infections. It can also help assess how well your body is retaining fluids or responding to treatments.
What to Expect Before the Test
This test is usually done by drawing blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it typically doesn’t cause discomfort. No special preparation is needed unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
What the Results Mean
Low albumin levels might indicate problems like poor nutrition, kidney or liver disease, or severe infections. High levels are less common but could suggest dehydration or certain medical conditions. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health.
Common Conditions Monitored
Albumin levels are often checked in people with chronic illnesses like kidney disease, liver disease, or those recovering from surgery. It can also be part of routine blood work to monitor overall health and response to treatment.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Albumin is a key protein in the blood that helps maintain osmotic pressure, which prevents fluid from leaking out of blood vessels. Low levels can signal underlying health issues like protein loss from the kidneys, liver dysfunction, or severe infections. High levels may suggest dehydration or specific medical conditions.
Short name
Albumin Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes low albumin levels?
How is albumin tested?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy