Serum or plasma concentration of albumin (protein)
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 body is retaining fluids, managing protein needs, or detecting conditions like kidney disease or liver problems.
["Albumin helps regulate fluid balance and supports immune health; low levels may signal kidney, liver, or nutritional issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14335-4
- Short code
- OD Amn Spect
- Synonyms
- OD Amn Spect
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- spectrophotometry
- 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, liver health, or overall protein status. It can also help diagnose conditions like chronic kidney disease, malnutrition, or severe infections.
What Does the Test Involve?
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test measures the amount of albumin protein in your serum or plasma.
What Are Common Causes of Low or High Albumin?
Low albumin levels may occur due to kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or excessive protein loss (e.g., from wounds or diarrhea). High albumin levels are less common but can result from dehydration or certain medical treatments.
What Do Results Mean?
Results are compared to a general reference range for healthy adults. Very low levels may require further testing to identify underlying causes, while very high levels may need investigation for possible causes like dehydration or medication effects.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Albumin is a key indicator of protein synthesis and fluid balance. Low levels often reflect systemic issues like malnutrition, chronic illness, or organ dysfunction, while high levels may suggest dehydration or specific medical interventions.
Short name
Albumin Level
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal albumin result mean?
How often should I get this test?
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