Serum or plasma concentration of albumin (mass concentration)

Why Albumin Levels Matter

Albumin plays a critical role in keeping fluids where they need to be in your body. Low levels can signal problems like poor nutrition, kidney disease, or liver issues, while high levels might indicate dehydration or certain medical conditions. Your doctor may also monitor albumin as part of a broader health evaluation.

What Can Affect Albumin Levels?

Several factors can influence albumin levels, including diet (especially protein intake), kidney or liver disease, chronic illnesses like heart failure, infections, or certain medications. Stress, pregnancy, and even rapid weight loss can also impact these levels.

Common Reasons for Testing

Doctors often check albumin levels to diagnose or monitor conditions such as malnutrition, kidney disease (like nephrotic syndrome), liver disease, or to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments like dialysis or chemotherapy.

Sample Collection and Preparation

This test typically uses a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is processed to separate serum (if drawn without anticoagulants) or plasma (if drawn with anticoagulants like EDTA or citrate). The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.