Skip to content

Serum/plasma concentration of albumin by nephelometry

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

This test measures the amount of albumin, a protein found in your blood that helps maintain fluid balance and supports immune function.

Quick summary

["Albumin levels help assess kidney function and overall protein status in your blood."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
76058-7
Short code
ST Amp L-aVR
Synonyms
ST Amp L-aVR
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ekg
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 a key protein in your blood that helps keep fluids where they belong (inside your blood vessels) and supports your immune system. Low levels can signal problems like kidney disease, malnutrition, or liver issues, while high levels may indicate dehydration or certain medical conditions.

What Can Affect Albumin Levels?

Several factors can influence albumin levels, including diet (low protein intake), kidney disease, liver disease, chronic illnesses, and certain medications. Stress, infections, or severe illness can also temporarily affect your results.

Common Reasons for Testing

Doctors may order albumin tests to check for kidney function, detect malnutrition, monitor liver health, or evaluate fluid balance in patients with conditions like heart failure or severe infections.

Sample Collection and Preparation

This test uses a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. No special preparation is needed, but fasting may be advised depending on your specific test order. Your blood will be sent to a lab for analysis using nephelometry, a method that measures protein concentration by scattering light.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Albumin (Serum/Plasma)

Frequently asked questions

Albumin levels can indicate underlying health issues. Very low levels may suggest malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems, while persistently high levels could point to dehydration or certain inflammatory conditions. Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider for personalized interpretation.
Albumin tests are often used alongside other blood tests (like creatinine or liver function tests) to get a full picture of your health. If your levels are abnormal, your doctor may recommend further testing or adjustments to your treatment plan.
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Results typically arrive within 1 to 3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing schedule. Your doctor will contact you once they have the results, so check with them for an estimated timeline.
Can diet or exercise affect my albumin test results?
Yes, diet (especially protein intake) and certain medications can influence albumin levels. Avoiding high-protein foods or certain supplements for a few days before your test may help ensure accurate results. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
  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