Albumin in Serum or Plasma (Qualitative Dialysis Study)
This test evaluates whether your albumin levels are effectively removed during dialysis, a process used to clean your blood when your kidneys aren’t working properly.
["Assessing albumin removal helps doctors monitor kidney function and adjust dialysis settings for better health outcomes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57847-6
- Short code
- WBC # Dial fld Manual
- Synonyms
- WBC # Dial fld Manual
- 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
- manual-count
- 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 Albumin Matters in Dialysis
Albumin is a protein in your blood that helps maintain fluid balance and supports immune function. During dialysis, some albumin may be lost through the dialysis membrane. This test checks if the dialysis process removes enough albumin to keep your body stable.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely undergo this test during a dialysis session. A healthcare provider will collect a sample of your serum or plasma (blood without blood cells) before or after dialysis. The test is usually done manually to assess qualitative removal.
How the Test Works
The test involves comparing albumin levels in your blood before and after dialysis. Since it’s qualitative, it doesn’t provide a specific measurement but confirms whether albumin is being adequately removed.
What This Test Can Tell Your Doctor
If albumin levels drop significantly after dialysis, it may indicate that your dialysis settings need adjustment to better retain essential proteins. This helps prevent complications like fluid overload or low protein levels.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Albumin Dialysis Study
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive or negative result mean?
How often is this test performed?
Can diet affect 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