Albumin Blood Test
Reviewed
Also called: ALB, serum albumin test
An albumin blood test measures the amount of albumin in your blood. Albumin is a protein made by your liver.
Specimen: Blood sample from a vein in your arm
Why this test may be ordered
- As part of a routine checkup, often with liver function tests or a comprehensive metabolic panel
- If you have symptoms of liver disease (nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, fatigue, weakness, jaundice, swelling/pain in abdomen, swelling in ankles/legs, dark urine, light-colored stool, frequent itching)
- If you have symptoms of kidney disease (swelling in hands/feet or puffy eyelids, dry skin/itching/numbness, fatigue, increased/decreased urination, bloody or foamy urine, loss of appetite/weight loss, muscle cramps, nausea/vomiting, shortness of breath, sleep problems, trouble thinking clearly)
- To monitor treatment for liver or kidney conditions or other conditions that may affect albumin levels
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations to test for albumin in blood. If your provider ordered other blood tests, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. Certain medicines may affect your test results, so tell your provider what you are taking. But don't stop taking any medicines without talking with your provider first.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
An albumin blood test alone cannot diagnose a condition. Your provider will usually consider your albumin test results with the results of other tests to make a diagnosis.
- Lower than normal albumin levels: Lower than normal albumin levels in your blood may be a sign of: Liver disease, including severe cirrhosis, hepatitis, and steatotic liver disease, Kidney disease, Malnutrition, especially a lack of protein in your diet Limitation: Your albumin levels may be lower than normal if you haven't eaten for 24 to 48 hours, or take certain medicines, including birth control pills. Albumin levels are also lower during pregnancy. Next step: Your provider will usually consider your albumin test results with the results of other tests to make a diagnosis.
- Higher than normal albumin levels: Higher than normal albumin levels in your blood may be a sign of dehydration, which may be caused by severe diarrhea or other conditions. Limitation: Certain medicines, including steroids, insulin, and hormones, can increase albumin levels. Next step: If you have questions about your test results, ask your provider to explain what they mean.
- An albumin blood test alone cannot diagnose a condition.
- If your albumin levels are not in the normal range, it doesn't always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment.
- Certain medicines, including steroids, insulin, and hormones, can increase albumin levels.
- Albumin levels may be lower than normal if you haven't eaten for 24 to 48 hours, or take certain medicines, including birth control pills.
- Albumin levels are also lower during pregnancy.
What to do next
If you have questions about your test results, ask your provider to explain what they mean.
- What do my albumin test results mean in my specific situation?
- Do I need any follow-up tests based on these results?
- Should I be concerned about my liver or kidney function?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.