Albumin Blood Test
Reviewed
This test measures the amount of albumin in your blood. Albumin is a protein made by your liver. It helps keep fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels and carries important substances throughout your body. The test is used to check your general health and nutrition, and to see how well your liver and kidneys are working.
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for this test. If your provider ordered other blood tests, you may need to fast for several hours. Tell your provider about any medicines you are taking, as certain medicines may affect results. Do not stop taking any medicines without talking with your provider first.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- 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.