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Serum or plasma mass concentration of albumin

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Albumin is a protein found in your blood that helps maintain fluid balance and supports immune function. Your doctor may check your albumin level to assess how well your kidneys are working or to monitor conditions like liver disease, malnutrition, or chronic illness.

Quick summary

["Albumin helps regulate fluid balance and immune function; low levels may signal kidney or liver issues or poor nutrition."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
13271-2
Short code
N men sg A Ab Ser-aCnc
Synonyms
N men sg A 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 Albumin Tested?

Doctors may order an albumin test to evaluate kidney function, detect liver problems, or check for conditions like malnutrition, inflammation, or heart disease. It’s also used in monitoring patients with chronic illnesses or after surgeries.

What Does the Test Involve?

A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab where albumin is measured using a specialized test that detects its concentration in your serum or plasma.

What Are Common Reasons for Testing?

Low albumin levels might indicate problems like severe kidney disease, liver failure, or malnutrition. High levels could suggest dehydration or certain medical treatments. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.

What Might Affect Results?

Factors like diet (especially protein intake), kidney or liver disease, infections, pregnancy, or certain medications can influence albumin levels. Avoiding strenuous activity or eating a light meal before testing may help ensure accurate results.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Albumin Level

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get results from this test?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your doctor will discuss the findings with you during your follow-up visit.
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
You can eat and drink normally unless your doctor specifies otherwise. Avoiding alcohol or heavy meals before testing may help ensure reliable results, but standard fasting is not required for this test.
What are some common conditions linked to abnormal albumin levels?
Low albumin is often linked to conditions like chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, or severe infections. High albumin may signal dehydration or certain metabolic disorders. Your doctor will use these results alongside other tests to guide diagnosis and treatment.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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