Serum or plasma concentration of albumin (mass concentration)
Albumin is a protein found in your blood that helps maintain fluid balance, supports immune function, and carries nutrients. Your doctor may order this test to check for conditions affecting protein levels, kidney function, or nutritional status.
["Albumin helps keep fluids in your blood vessels and supports overall health, so low levels may signal underlying issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29374-6
- Short code
- ENA RNP Ab Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- ENA RNP Ab Ser-aCnc
- 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 tests to evaluate kidney function, detect malnutrition, assess liver disease, or monitor chronic conditions like heart failure or infections. It can also help diagnose conditions like protein-losing enteropathy or certain autoimmune diseases.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood, which usually causes only mild discomfort. If you’re on dialysis, your albumin may be measured in your blood drawn during treatment.
What the Results Mean
Albumin levels can vary based on diet, health conditions, and medications. Low levels (hypoalbuminemia) may indicate malnutrition, liver disease, kidney problems, or inflammation. High levels (hyperalbuminemia) are less common but can occur with dehydration or certain genetic conditions.
Common Conditions Linked to Albumin Levels
Abnormally low albumin is often seen in chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, severe infections, or malnutrition. High albumin may suggest dehydration, but it’s usually not a standalone concern unless paired with other symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Albumin plays a key role in maintaining blood pressure and immune function. Low levels can impair wound healing, increase infection risk, and worsen heart or kidney disease. Doctors use albumin as a marker to guide treatment for conditions like burns, cancer, or inflammatory diseases.
Short name
Albumin Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes low albumin levels?
How long does it take to get results?
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