Serum Albumin (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of albumin, a key protein in your blood that helps maintain fluid balance and supports the immune system.
Albumin helps keep your body’s fluids in balance and supports healthy blood pressure and immune function.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 65788-2
- Short code
- Horse serum albumin (nEqu c) 3 IgE Qn
- Synonyms
- Horse serum albumin (nEqu c) 3 IgE Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- 1.5 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82040
- SNOMED
- 22383007
- 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?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions affecting protein levels, such as kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or dehydration. It can also help monitor treatment for conditions like kidney failure or severe burns.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a liver function panel, but albumin testing alone typically doesn’t require fasting.
A small needle will be inserted into your arm or vein to draw a blood sample. The process is quick and usually painless. You may feel a slight pinch or sting.
The blood sample is sent to a lab, where albumin levels are measured using a standard blood chemistry method. Results are typically available within 1–3 business days.
What Do My Results Mean?
Lower than expected albumin levels may indicate conditions like kidney disease, liver failure, or malnutrition. Higher levels might suggest dehydration or certain medical treatments. Your provider will discuss results in the context of your overall health.
Reference range
Adult: 3.5-5.0 g/dLN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Albumin is vital for maintaining blood pressure, transporting nutrients, and supporting immune function. Low levels can signal underlying health issues, such as chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, or severe infections. High levels may reflect dehydration or certain medications. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Short name
Albumin Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes low albumin levels?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy