Serum or plasma concentration of albumin (protein)
This test measures the amount of albumin, a key protein in your blood that helps maintain fluid balance and supports immune function.
["Albumin helps keep tissues healthy and supports blood pressure; low levels may signal kidney issues or malnutrition."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110140-1
- Short code
- S pneum Da 9N Ab Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- S pneum Da 9N Ab Msmt Ser
- Category
- coagulation
- 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 Albumin Levels Matter
Albumin is vital for transporting nutrients, maintaining blood pressure, and supporting immune defense. Your body produces albumin in the liver, and levels can drop if your liver isn’t working well, if you have kidney disease, or if you’re not eating enough protein-rich foods.
What Can Affect Albumin Levels?
Several factors can influence albumin levels, including chronic kidney disease, liver conditions (like cirrhosis), malnutrition, severe infections, or certain medications. Stress, pregnancy, or rapid weight loss can also temporarily affect results.
When Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order albumin tests to check for kidney function, liver health, or nutritional status. It’s often included in routine blood work or when evaluating symptoms like swelling (edema), fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.
What to Expect During the Test
A simple blood draw is used to collect serum or plasma. You’ll lie down while a healthcare provider inserts a small needle into your arm. The process takes just a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. No special preparation is needed, but fasting isn’t required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Albumin Level
Frequently asked questions
Low albumin levels may indicate underlying health problems like chronic kidney disease, liver failure, or severe protein malnutrition. High levels might suggest dehydration or certain medical conditions, though this is less common. Always discuss results with your doctor, as they’ll consider your full medical picture.
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your doctor will contact you once they’re ready to review them with you.
No special diet is needed. You can eat and drink normally, but avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your blood draw if your doctor recommends it.
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