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Serum or plasma concentration of albumin

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

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.

Quick summary

["Albumin levels help assess overall health and detect potential issues early."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
43119-7
Short code
ENA Ab Pnl Ser
Synonyms
ENA Ab 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
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 testing to evaluate your body’s protein levels, monitor chronic conditions like kidney disease or liver problems, or check for signs of malnutrition or inflammation. It can also be part of a broader health screening or before certain treatments.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed. If you’re having blood drawn, avoid eating or drinking for 8–12 hours before the test (if instructed by your doctor). If you’re tested via urine or other fluids, follow any specific instructions provided.

What Happens During the Test?

Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm, and the sample is sent to a lab to measure albumin concentration. If testing fluid (like urine), you may collect a sample at home or in a clinic.

What Are Common Results?

Results are typically reported as a concentration (e.g., grams per deciliter). Low levels may indicate protein loss, poor nutrition, or organ dysfunction, while high levels could suggest dehydration or certain medical conditions.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Albumin Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes low albumin levels?
Low albumin can result from conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or excessive protein loss (e.g., from wounds or diarrhea). It may also appear in people with chronic inflammation or certain cancers.
What causes high albumin levels?
High albumin is less common but can occur with dehydration, severe burns, or in some genetic disorders. Rarely, it may be linked to conditions like multiple myeloma or certain metabolic disorders.
Can diet affect albumin levels?
Yes, diet plays a role. Low-protein diets, malnutrition, or excessive alcohol consumption can lower albumin. Eating enough high-quality protein (like lean meats, eggs, or legumes) may help maintain healthy levels, but this depends on your overall health and medical needs.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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