Serum or plasma concentration of albumin (qualitative or semi-quantitative screening)
This test checks for abnormal levels of albumin, a protein that helps maintain fluid balance in your body. Low albumin may indicate conditions like malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems.
["Albumin levels can signal underlying health issues that may require further medical evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 49224-9
- Short code
- WBC #/area Smn HPF
- Synonyms
- WBC #/area Smn HPF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.5
- Ref high
- 11
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 30 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light-hpf
- CPT
- 85004
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003002
- 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 this test done?
Your doctor may order an albumin screening test to monitor conditions affecting protein levels, such as kidney disease, liver disease, or chronic infections. It can also be part of a general health check or during treatment for malnutrition or fluid imbalances.
What does the result mean?
Results are often reported qualitatively (e.g., low, normal, high) rather than with exact numbers. Low albumin may suggest fluid retention, poor nutrition, or organ dysfunction. High levels might indicate dehydration or certain inflammatory conditions.
What affects this test?
Factors like diet (especially protein intake), kidney or liver disease, infections, or medications (e.g., diuretics) can influence albumin levels. Recent blood loss, severe illness, or stress may also impact results temporarily.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using a qualitative or semi-quantitative method, such as nephelometry or turbidimetry, to detect protein concentration.
Reference range
Adult: 4.5-11.0 x 10^9/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Albumin screening helps identify conditions that may require medical attention. Low albumin is often associated with poor nutritional status, chronic diseases, or fluid shifts. Doctors may use these results to guide treatment for conditions like cirrhosis, kidney failure, or severe infections.
Short name
Albumin screening (serum/plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What does a low albumin result mean?
Can diet affect my albumin test results?
How often should I get this test?
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