Serum or plasma concentration of albumin (mass concentration)
Albumin is a protein produced by your liver that helps maintain fluid balance in your body and supports immune function. Your doctor may order this test to check for liver disease, kidney problems, malnutrition, or other health conditions.
["Albumin helps regulate blood pressure and fluid distribution in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 63543-3
- Short code
- ENA SS-A 52kD Ab Fld Ql
- Synonyms
- ENA SS-A 52kD Ab Fld Ql
- 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 overall health, diagnose conditions like liver disease (such as cirrhosis), kidney disease, malnutrition, or infections. It can also help monitor treatment progress for certain conditions.
What Does a Low or High Albumin Level Mean?
Low albumin levels may suggest liver problems, kidney disease, severe infections, or malnutrition. High levels could indicate dehydration or certain genetic conditions, though this is less common.
How Is the Albumin Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab for testing. The test measures the amount of albumin protein in your serum or plasma.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Abnormal albumin results can stem from underlying health issues like chronic liver disease, kidney failure, severe infections, or poor nutrition. Other factors, such as medications or certain medical treatments, may also affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Albumin is a critical protein that plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, supporting immune function, and transporting nutrients. Low albumin levels can indicate serious health problems that require medical attention, while high levels are less frequently associated with clinical concern unless due to specific conditions like dehydration.
Short name
Albumin Level
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean if my albumin level is low?
What causes high albumin levels?
How often should I get this test?
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