Serum or plasma concentration of albumin (substance concentration)
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 nutritional deficiencies, kidney problems, or liver disease.
["Albumin helps keep fluids in your blood vessels and supports healthy tissue function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14235-6
- Short code
- ENA Jo1 Ab Titr Ser
- Synonyms
- ENA Jo1 Ab Titr 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 This Test Is Done
Doctors may order an albumin test to diagnose or monitor conditions like malnutrition, kidney disease, liver disease, or chronic inflammation. It can also help assess how well your body is absorbing nutrients or if there’s fluid imbalance in your body.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein to draw a blood sample. If you’re concerned about needles, let your healthcare provider know so they can offer alternatives.
What the Results Mean
Low albumin levels might suggest poor nutrition, kidney or liver problems, or conditions that cause fluid to leak from blood vessels. High levels could indicate dehydration or certain medical treatments. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Common Conditions Linked to Albumin Levels
Abnormal albumin levels can signal underlying health issues, such as chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, severe infections, or malnutrition. It’s not a standalone test but often used alongside others to guide treatment plans.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Albumin plays a critical role in maintaining blood pressure and protein balance. Low levels can weaken your immune system and increase risks of swelling or infections, while very high levels may indicate conditions like dehydration or certain medications.
Short name
Albumin Level
Frequently asked questions
How is albumin tested?
Will fasting affect my albumin test?
What are typical reference ranges for albumin?
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