Serum albumin concentration (mass concentration)
Albumin is a protein found in your blood that helps maintain fluid balance and supports tissue health. Your doctor may order this test to check for conditions like malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems.
["Albumin helps keep fluids in your blood vessels and supports overall health; low levels may signal underlying health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110670-7
- Short code
- Prealb Msmt SerPl
- Synonyms
- Prealb Msmt SerPl
- 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 This Test Is Done
Doctors may order albumin tests to evaluate your overall health, diagnose conditions affecting protein levels, or monitor treatments for diseases like liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition. It’s also used in certain medical procedures to assess fluid balance or nutritional status.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw a blood sample. If you’re on blood thinners or have a history of bleeding issues, let your doctor know beforehand.
What the Test Results Mean
Albumin levels can vary based on diet, health conditions, and medications. While reference ranges differ by lab, low albumin may indicate poor nutrition, liver or kidney disease, or chronic inflammation. High levels might suggest dehydration or certain genetic conditions.
Common Conditions Linked to Albumin Levels
Low albumin is often seen in conditions like cirrhosis (liver disease), kidney failure, severe infections, or malnutrition. High albumin can occur in dehydration, certain genetic disorders, or after surgery. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Albumin Level
Frequently asked questions
Will fasting affect my albumin test results?
What if my albumin level is outside the normal range?
Can I take my blood pressure medication before the blood draw?
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