What is an albumin blood test. How is the albumin blood test performed. Why are albumin blood tests important for health assessment. What do normal and abnormal albumin levels indicate. How can albumin levels impact overall health and wellness.

The Fundamentals of Albumin and Its Role in the Body

Albumin is a crucial protein produced by the liver that plays a vital role in various bodily functions. This protein is responsible for transporting small molecules through the bloodstream, including bilirubin, calcium, progesterone, and certain medications. Additionally, albumin helps maintain proper fluid balance between blood vessels and surrounding tissues, preventing fluid leakage.

A serum albumin test measures the concentration of this essential protein in the clear liquid portion of blood, providing valuable insights into liver and kidney function, as well as overall nutritional status. Understanding albumin levels can help healthcare providers diagnose and monitor various conditions affecting these vital organs and the body’s protein absorption capabilities.

The Albumin Blood Test Procedure: What to Expect

The albumin blood test is a relatively simple and straightforward procedure. Here’s what you can expect during the test:

• Blood is drawn from a vein, typically from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
• A healthcare professional inserts a needle into the vein and collects the blood in an air-tight vial or syringe.
• The process usually takes only a few minutes and causes minimal discomfort.
• Some people may experience a slight prick or stinging sensation during the blood draw.
• After the procedure, there may be some temporary throbbing or a small bruise at the injection site.

Is special preparation required for an albumin blood test. In most cases, no specific preparation is necessary. However, your healthcare provider may advise you to temporarily discontinue certain medications that could affect the test results. These may include anabolic steroids, androgens, growth hormones, and insulin. It’s crucial to consult with your doctor before stopping any prescribed medications.

Interpreting Albumin Blood Test Results: Normal vs. Abnormal Levels

Understanding your albumin blood test results is essential for assessing your overall health. The normal range for serum albumin levels typically falls between 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL (34 to 54 g/L). However, it’s important to note that normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories due to variations in measurement techniques or sample types.

What do abnormal albumin levels indicate. Abnormal results can provide valuable insights into various health conditions:

Low Albumin Levels

Lower-than-normal serum albumin levels may suggest:

• Kidney diseases
• Liver diseases (e.g., hepatitis or cirrhosis with ascites)
• Malnutrition or malabsorption disorders
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease)
• Celiac disease
• Whipple’s disease
• Recent weight-loss surgery

High Albumin Levels

Elevated serum albumin levels may be caused by:

• Dehydration
• High-protein diet
• Prolonged use of a tourniquet during blood draw
• Water intoxication (excessive water intake)

It’s crucial to discuss your specific test results with your healthcare provider to understand their implications for your health.

The Importance of Albumin in Maintaining Health and Wellness

Albumin plays a significant role in maintaining overall health and wellness. Its functions extend beyond simply transporting molecules through the bloodstream. Here are some key ways albumin contributes to our well-being:

1. Fluid balance: Albumin helps regulate the distribution of fluids between blood vessels and tissues, preventing edema and maintaining proper hydration.
2. Nutrient transport: It carries essential nutrients, hormones, and vitamins throughout the body, ensuring they reach their intended destinations.
3. pH balance: Albumin acts as a buffer, helping to maintain the body’s acid-base balance.
4. Antioxidant properties: This protein exhibits antioxidant effects, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
5. Drug delivery: Many medications bind to albumin, which influences their distribution and effectiveness in the body.

How does albumin impact overall health. By maintaining these crucial functions, albumin contributes to various aspects of health, including proper organ function, nutrient utilization, and cellular protection. Monitoring albumin levels can provide valuable insights into a person’s nutritional status, liver and kidney function, and overall well-being.

Common Conditions Associated with Abnormal Albumin Levels

Abnormal albumin levels can be indicative of various health conditions. Understanding these associations can help healthcare providers diagnose and monitor certain diseases more effectively.

Liver Diseases

The liver is responsible for producing albumin, so liver diseases often result in decreased albumin levels. Some common liver conditions associated with low albumin include:

• Cirrhosis
• Hepatitis (viral or alcoholic)
• Fatty liver disease
• Liver cancer

How do liver diseases affect albumin production. Damaged liver cells have reduced capacity to synthesize albumin, leading to lower serum levels. This decrease can be an early indicator of liver dysfunction, even before other symptoms become apparent.

Kidney Diseases

Kidney problems can also impact albumin levels, as these organs play a crucial role in maintaining the proper balance of proteins in the blood. Conditions associated with abnormal albumin levels include:

• Nephrotic syndrome
• Chronic kidney disease
• Glomerulonephritis

In kidney diseases, albumin may be lost through the urine, resulting in lower serum levels. This loss of protein can lead to edema and other complications associated with kidney dysfunction.

Nutritional Disorders

Albumin levels can be affected by various nutritional disorders, including:

• Malnutrition
• Protein-energy malnutrition
• Anorexia nervosa
• Malabsorption syndromes

How do nutritional deficiencies impact albumin levels. Inadequate protein intake or absorption can lead to decreased albumin production, as the body lacks the necessary building blocks to synthesize this essential protein.

Lifestyle Factors Influencing Albumin Levels

While medical conditions play a significant role in determining albumin levels, various lifestyle factors can also impact serum albumin concentrations. Understanding these influences can help individuals maintain optimal albumin levels and overall health.

Diet and Nutrition

Dietary habits have a direct effect on albumin levels:

• Protein intake: Consuming adequate protein is crucial for maintaining normal albumin levels. A diet low in protein can lead to decreased albumin production.
• Balanced nutrition: A well-rounded diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports liver function and albumin synthesis.
• Hydration: Proper hydration helps maintain the balance of proteins in the blood, including albumin.

How can dietary changes improve albumin levels. Increasing protein intake through lean meats, fish, legumes, and dairy products can help boost albumin production. Additionally, staying well-hydrated and consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports overall liver health and albumin synthesis.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular physical activity can positively influence albumin levels:

• Improved circulation: Exercise enhances blood flow, which can help distribute albumin more effectively throughout the body.
• Liver health: Physical activity supports liver function, potentially improving albumin production.
• Muscle maintenance: Regular exercise helps preserve muscle mass, which is important for overall protein balance in the body.

What types of exercise are beneficial for albumin levels. A combination of aerobic activities (such as walking, swimming, or cycling) and resistance training can help maintain healthy albumin levels by supporting overall health and liver function.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively impact albumin levels and overall health:

• Hormonal changes: Stress can alter hormone levels, potentially affecting albumin production and utilization.
• Inflammation: Prolonged stress may lead to chronic inflammation, which can impact liver function and albumin synthesis.
• Dietary habits: Stress often leads to poor eating habits, which can indirectly affect albumin levels.

How can stress reduction techniques help maintain healthy albumin levels. Incorporating stress-management practices such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or regular leisure activities can help mitigate the negative effects of stress on albumin production and overall health.

Albumin Blood Tests in Clinical Practice: Beyond Diagnosis

Albumin blood tests serve multiple purposes in clinical practice, extending beyond initial diagnosis. Healthcare providers utilize these tests for various reasons throughout a patient’s medical journey.

Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness

Albumin levels can be used to assess the efficacy of treatments for various conditions:

• Liver diseases: Improvements in albumin levels may indicate successful treatment of hepatic conditions.
• Nutritional interventions: Rising albumin concentrations can reflect positive responses to dietary changes or nutritional supplements.
• Kidney diseases: Stabilizing or increasing albumin levels may suggest effective management of renal disorders.

How frequently should albumin levels be monitored during treatment. The frequency of albumin tests depends on the specific condition and treatment plan. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate schedule based on your individual needs and progress.

Assessing Surgical Risks

Albumin levels play a crucial role in evaluating surgical risks:

• Preoperative screening: Low albumin levels may indicate increased risk of postoperative complications.
• Nutritional status: Albumin concentrations help assess a patient’s nutritional state before surgery, which can impact recovery.
• Fluid management: Understanding albumin levels aids in proper fluid management during and after surgical procedures.

Why are preoperative albumin levels important. Low albumin levels before surgery may suggest poor nutritional status or underlying health issues, which can increase the risk of complications and slow recovery. Identifying these risks allows healthcare providers to implement appropriate interventions to improve patient outcomes.

Guiding Nutritional Support

Albumin tests are valuable tools for managing nutritional support:

• Parenteral nutrition: Albumin levels help determine the need for and effectiveness of intravenous nutritional support.
• Enteral feeding: Monitoring albumin can guide adjustments in tube feeding regimens.
• Dietary interventions: Changes in albumin concentrations can inform modifications to dietary recommendations.

How do albumin levels influence nutritional support decisions. Low albumin levels may indicate the need for more aggressive nutritional interventions, while improving levels can suggest that current support measures are effective. Healthcare providers use this information to tailor nutritional plans to individual patient needs.

Future Directions in Albumin Research and Clinical Applications

As our understanding of albumin’s role in health and disease continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for its clinical applications and developing innovative approaches to albumin-related therapies.

Albumin as a Drug Delivery System

Researchers are investigating albumin’s potential as a drug delivery vehicle:

• Nanoparticle formulations: Albumin-based nanoparticles can enhance drug solubility and targeted delivery.
• Cancer treatments: Albumin-bound chemotherapy drugs show promise in improving efficacy and reducing side effects.
• Personalized medicine: Albumin’s binding properties may be exploited to create tailored drug delivery systems.

How might albumin-based drug delivery systems improve patient care. These innovative approaches could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects, potentially revolutionizing drug administration in various medical fields.

Albumin Replacement Therapies

Advancements in albumin replacement strategies are being explored:

• Recombinant albumin: Researchers are developing synthetic albumin to address shortages and reduce reliance on human donors.
• Long-acting albumin: Modified albumin molecules with extended half-lives could provide more sustained therapeutic effects.
• Targeted albumin therapy: Engineered albumin variants may offer more specific therapeutic benefits for particular conditions.

What potential benefits do advanced albumin replacement therapies offer. These innovations could lead to more effective treatments for conditions associated with albumin deficiency, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Albumin as a Biomarker for Disease Progression

Ongoing research is exploring albumin’s potential as a biomarker for various diseases:

• Cardiovascular disease: Changes in albumin levels may indicate increased risk of heart problems.
• Neurodegenerative disorders: Albumin modifications could serve as early markers for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
• Cancer prognosis: Albumin levels and modifications may provide insights into cancer progression and treatment responsiveness.

How might albumin biomarkers improve disease management. By identifying disease risks or progression earlier, healthcare providers could intervene sooner, potentially improving treatment outcomes and patient prognosis.

As research in these areas progresses, the clinical applications of albumin blood tests and related therapies are likely to expand, offering new possibilities for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating a wide range of health conditions. Staying informed about these advancements can help both healthcare providers and patients make more informed decisions about albumin-related treatments and interventions.

Albumin – blood (serum) test Information | Mount Sinai

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin can also be measured in the urine.

Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.

How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed.

How to Prepare for the Test

The health care provider may tell you to temporarily stop taking certain medicines that can affect the test. Drugs that can increase albumin levels include:

• Anabolic steroids
• Androgens
• Growth hormone
• Insulin

Do not stop taking any of your medicines without talking to your provider first.

How the Test will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

Why the Test is Performed

Albumin helps move many small molecules through the blood, including bilirubin, calcium, progesterone, and medicines. It plays an important role in keeping the fluid in the blood from leaking into the tissues.

This test can help determine if you have liver disease or kidney disease, or if your body is not absorbing enough protein.

Normal Results

The normal range is 3. 4 to 5.4 g/dL (34 to 54 g/L).

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Lower-than-normal level of serum albumin may be a sign of:

• Kidney diseases
• Liver disease (for example, hepatitis, or cirrhosis that may cause ascites)

Decreased blood albumin may occur when your body does not get or absorb enough nutrients, such as with:

• After weight-loss surgery
• Celiac disease (damage of the lining of the small intestine due to eating gluten)
• Crohn disease (inflammation of the digestive tract)
• Low-protein diets
• Whipple disease (condition that prevents the small intestine from allowing nutrients to pass into the rest of the body)

Increased blood albumin may be due to:

• Dehydration
• High protein diet
• Having a tourniquet on for a long time when giving a blood sample

Drinking too much water (water intoxication) may also cause abnormal albumin results.

Other conditions for which the test may be performed:

• Burns (widespread)
• Wilson disease (condition in which there is too much copper in the body)

Risks

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Multiple punctures to locate veins
• Hematoma (blood collecting under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Considerations

If you are receiving large amounts of intravenous fluids, the results of this test may be inaccurate.

Albumin will be decreased during pregnancy.

Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Albumin – serum, urine, and 24-hour urine. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:110-112.

McPherson RA. Specific proteins. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 20.

Last reviewed on: 1/24/2021

Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Albumin Blood Test – Testing.

com

Test Quick Guide

Albumin, a protein produced in the liver, enters the bloodstream, where it helps carry vitamins, enzymes, and other important substances. The protein also helps prevent fluids from leaking out of blood vessels.

An albumin blood test measures the amount of albumin in a blood sample. It can help identify various health conditions, including liver and kidney problems. Albumin may be tested alone or in a panel of measurements such as the comprehensive metabolic panel or liver panel.

About the Test

Purpose of the test

The purpose of the test is to evaluate whether you have abnormal levels of albumin in your blood. Levels that are too high or too low can indicate an underlying health problem. Testing for albumin alone or with other measurements can play a role in diagnosing, screening, and monitoring different conditions.

Diagnosis is testing that happens after symptoms have occurred. For example, a doctor may recommend an albumin blood test if you have signs of potential liver disease like jaundice, fatigue, or symptoms of possible kidney disease, such as abnormal urination or unexplained swelling (particularly of the feet and legs).

Screening is a form of testing that tries to identify health conditions before symptoms arise. It is not usually done by measuring albumin alone. Still, albumin may be included with other measurements in a comprehensive metabolic panel or liver panel that may be prescribed during a routine medical check-up as a form of screening.

Monitoring involves testing to see how your condition develops or responds to treatment. Follow-up tests for albumin in the blood may provide information about the severity of the disease and how a condition changes over time.

What does the test measure?

The test measures the total amount of albumin in the blood. Albumin’s biological functions are to keep fluid from leaking out of the blood vessels and to carry substances like hormones, enzymes, and vitamins in the body.

If albumin is included in a panel test, other measurements will be taken using the same blood sample.

When should I get an albumin test?

An albumin blood test may be ordered if you have symptoms that could be caused by a problem affecting your liver or kidneys. Albumin levels alone do not diagnose these types of conditions, but they can provide important information to help your doctor identify the problem.

If you don’t have any signs of liver or kidney problems, it is not typically recommended to test for albumin alone. However, an albumin measurement may be included in panel tests that may be used for medical check-ups. In these tests, like the comprehensive metabolic panel, albumin levels can be interpreted in relation to other measurements.

Your physician can best explain whether and when an albumin blood test is recommended in your specific situation.

Finding an Albumin Blood Test

How can I get an albumin blood test?

An albumin blood test requires a blood sample from a vein in your arm. A health professional typically prescribes the test, and the sample is taken in a doctor’s office, health clinic, hospital, or laboratory.

Can I take the test at home?

Blood tests to measure albumin levels alone are not currently available as an at-home test. Panel tests that include albumin are normally done in a medical setting, but some at-home options exist to measure albumin along with other indicators of liver function. These tests involve collecting a drop of blood from your fingertip, applying it to a test strip, and sending the sample by mail to a laboratory where it can be analyzed.

How much does the test cost?

The cost of an albumin blood test depends on multiple factors, including where you have the test taken, whether other measurements are included, and whether you have medical insurance.

The testing costs may include an office visit, the technician fee for drawing your blood, and the laboratory fee for analyzing your sample. Insurance often covers these costs when your physician prescribes the test. Still, check with your insurance plan for coverage details, including whether you are responsible for a deductible or copay.

Taking an Albumin Blood Test

Testing requires a blood sample that is normally obtained by removing a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. This blood sample can be taken in a doctor’s office or another medical setting.

While at-home tests are far less common, they can be done by pricking your finger to get a drop of blood that can be sent to a lab.

Before the test

Before taking an albumin blood test, tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking. Some types of drugs can affect albumin levels, and your doctor can tell you if it is necessary to adjust your medications before the test.

If only albumin is being measured, you do not need to fast before your blood is drawn. When albumin is measured as part of a panel test, you may need to avoid eating or drinking any beverages besides water for 12 hours or more beforehand.

Check with your physician ahead of time to find out exactly which test you are having and any required preparation. If the doctor mentions any test preparation, follow those instructions carefully.

With at-home tests, it is essential to carefully read all the instructions before taking the test to ensure that you prepare your sample correctly.

During the test

The test procedure involves removing a small vial of blood from a vein in your arm. You will sit in a chair, and an elastic band will be tied around your upper arm. An antiseptic is used to clean the inside of your arm near your elbow, and a needle will be inserted to withdraw blood.

The entire process normally lasts less than a couple of minutes. There may be minor pain or discomfort when the needle is inserted and removed.

An at-home test kit involves a quick fingerstick to obtain a drop of blood from your fingertip. The blood sample is placed on a strip of test paper and then packaged for delivery to a laboratory.

After the test

A bandage or cotton swab may be used to apply pressure and stop bleeding after your blood has been drawn. There may be light bruising or soreness around the puncture site. You can usually drive and return to normal activities after the test.

A blood draw is a routine procedure with no serious or lasting side effects. Contact your doctor for specific guidance if you notice any severe or persistent effects.

There are few lasting effects after an at-home test with a fingerstick. If your fingertip keeps bleeding after taking the test sample, you can apply pressure with a cotton swab or a bandage.

Albumin Blood Test Results

Receiving test results

Results from an albumin blood test are usually available within a few business days. Your doctor’s office may contact you directly to provide your results, or you may get a test report sent to you electronically or in the mail.

Interpreting test results

Your test report will list your albumin level. Albumin is measured in grams per deciliter (g/dL) of blood. If other measurements were taken in a panel test, you would see separate line items for each of those measurements on your test report.

A typical reference range for normal albumin levels is 3.5 to 5.5 g/dL. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, so it is important to look closely at your test report to see if a different range is listed.

Albumin levels above or below the reference range may reflect an underlying health concern. Low levels can be caused by conditions that affect the liver’s normal function and ability to synthesize albumin or excessive loss of albumin through the kidneys.

Albumin persists in the blood for several weeks, so recent, short-term liver health issues that decrease albumin production may not be detected. Decreased albumin levels are more frequently associated with chronic conditions affecting the liver, like cirrhosis.

Although albumin is produced in the liver, abnormally low levels can also be tied to kidney conditions, malnutrition, inflammation, infection, thyroid disease, and gastrointestinal problems. Abnormally high albumin levels most often occur due to dehydration, which may be caused by other conditions such as severe diarrhea.

Doctors often interpret the significance of albumin levels alongside measurements of other indicators of metabolism and the health of the liver and kidneys. Seeing which measurements are normal and abnormal can help reveal patterns in your results that may reveal the most likely cause of the test’s findings.

Your physician is best able to describe your test results and review what they may mean for your health, as well as whether any other tests are appropriate as a follow-up.

As you review your test results with your physician, some of the following questions may help you better understand your situation and the significance of your albumin level:

• Was my albumin level normal or abnormal? If it was abnormal, was it high or low?
• Were any other measurements taken along with albumin? What can you learn from those levels?
• What is the most likely explanation for my test result?
• Are there any follow-up tests that you recommend? What are the pros and cons of those tests?

• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
• Liver Panel

Resources

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Liver Disease
  Learn More
• National Library of Medicine: Liver Diseases
  Learn More
• CDC: The Liver
  Learn More

Sources

A. D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. Albumin Blood (Serum) Test. Updated January 24, 2021. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003480.htm.

American Board of Internal Medicine. ABIM Laboratory Test Reference Ranges. Updated January 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.abim.org/Media/bfijryql/laboratory-reference-ranges.pdf

Collins N. The Difference Between Albumin and Prealbumin. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2001;14(5):235-236. doi:10.1097/00129334-200109000-00009

Darwish A, Lui F. Physiology, Colloid Osmotic Pressure. In: StatPearls. Updated May 15, 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541067/

Friedman LS. Approach to the Patient With Abnormal Liver Biochemical and Function Tests. In: Chopra S, ed. UpToDate. Updated April 5, 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/approach-to-the-patient-with-abnormal-liver-biochemical-and-function-tests

Friedman LS. Tests of the Liver’s Biosynthetic Capacity (e. g., Albumin, Coagulation Factors, Prothrombin Time). In: Chopra S, ed. UpToDate. Updated March 15, 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/tests-of-the-livers-biosynthetic-capacity-eg-albumin-coagulation-factors-prothrombin-time

Kwo PY, Cohen SM, Lim JK. ACG Clinical Guideline: Evaluation of Abnormal Liver Chemistries. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112(1):18-35. doi:10.1038/ajg.2016.517

Lewis III JL. Volume Depletion. Merck Manual Professional Edition. Updated September 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/fluid-metabolism/volume-depletion

Lindenmeyer CC. Laboratory Tests of the Liver and Gallbladder. Merck Manual Professional Edition. Updated September 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/testing-for-hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/laboratory-tests-of-the-liver-and-gallbladder

MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine. Albumin Blood Test. Updated June 7, 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/albumin-blood-test/

MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). Updated September 9, 2021. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/comprehensive-metabolic-panel-cmp/

MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine. Prealbumin Blood Test. Updated August 22, 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/prealbumin-blood-test/

Moman RN, Gupta N, Varacallo M. Physiology, Albumin. In: StatPearls. Updated January 4, 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459198/

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Albuminuria: Albumin in the Urine. Updated October 2016. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/tests-diagnosis/albuminuria-albumin-urine

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Albumin – an important protein in blood serum

Albumin (ALB) is a blood plasma protein that performs many important functions. It is involved in metabolic processes, transports a number of chemicals throughout the body, and so on. Determination of the level of this protein plays an important role in assessing the condition of the liver. ALB makes up approximately 60% of the total protein.

Biochemical analysis: albumin

Maintaining an optimal level of this protein is essential for the functioning of the body as a whole. This affects the volume of blood circulating in the body. In addition, the protein is responsible for regulating osmotic pressure. This indicator changes under the influence of many factors (for example, after eating salty foods). Therefore, its regulation is a very important process. Albumin is also responsible for the transport and storage of many biological compounds and amino acids. When examining the state of health, the ALB level is one of the key indicators.

Who needs to be tested

Blood test for albumin is used in combination with data from other studies in the diagnosis of many diseases. Most often, the analysis is prescribed for suspected pathologies of the kidneys and liver. Also, its results are used to assess the health status of patients with oncological diagnoses, extensive injuries or burns. The test is administered alone or in combination with other tests. The composition of the examination necessary in a particular case is determined by the doctor based on the patient’s complaints, the results of the examination, and anamnesis.

Interpretation of results

Albumin is synthesized in the liver. Normally, about 15 grams of protein is produced per day. It remains in the body and performs its functions for several weeks. The main purpose of this test is to assess the protein-synthetic function of the liver.
An increase in indicators indicates dehydration of the body. The causes of dehydration can be different (for example, severe burns). Also, a high level of ALB can indicate the presence of an infection and a number of other diseases. For their accurate diagnosis, an additional examination is mandatory.

Protein deficiency in most cases indicates kidney pathology. It can also be observed in the presence of an inflammatory process. Decreases during pregnancy are normal. Reference values ​​depend on the age of the patient. For adults, the norm ranges from 35-52 g / l. According to the results of the test, one can judge the severity of a number of diseases.

Terminals

The amount of ALB is required for the diagnosis of a number of diseases, the choice of optimal treatment tactics. It characterizes the metabolism, the state of health in general. With severe symptoms of kidney problems, this test is prescribed in the first place. It can also be carried out as part of a comprehensive examination or after it, if deviations are identified and it is necessary to clarify their nature and cause. Interpretation of the results can only be performed by a doctor, the test is not intended for self-diagnosis . In some cases, deviations from the norm are possible in the absence of diseases.

Test for albumin in blood

Method of determination

Colorimetry (with bromocresol green).

Test material
Blood serum

Home visit available

Online check-in

Synonyms: Human serum albumin; HSA; Plasma albumin;

Human Serum Albumin; ALB.

Brief characteristics of the test substance Albumin

Albumin is a protein consisting of 585 amino acids and having a molecular weight of 66.6-70 kDa.

Albumin makes up 40-60% of total plasma protein. Its synthesis takes place in the liver. Despite the relatively small molecular weight, albumin molecules are normally practically not filtered in the glomeruli of the kidneys and do not enter the urine. Their half-life in the blood is 18-20 days. The main role of albumin is participation in the maintenance of colloid-osmotic (oncotic) plasma pressure and circulating blood volume, as well as the transport and deposition of various substances. Albumin binds and transports non-polar substances such as bilirubin, fatty acids, cholesterol; is a carrier of a number of hormones – thyroxine, triiodothyronine, cortisol, aldosterone. Albumin bound hormones are in an inactive but easily mobilized form.

Approximately 40% of plasma calcium is reversibly bound to albumin and is in mobile equilibrium with physiologically active ionized plasma calcium. In conditions accompanied by a significant decrease in the level of albumin in the blood plasma, the total content of substances that bind to albumin decreases, although the concentration of physiologically active fractions of substances may be within the normal range, and clinical changes do not occur. Many medicinal substances entering the body are bound by albumin, for example, antibiotics, salicylates, warfarin, clofibrate, etc., which affects their pharmacokinetics.

The effect of such drugs against the background of a decrease in the content of albumin in the blood is enhanced at the same dosages.

Albumin is involved in the processes of excretion of endo- and exotoxins (the combination of albumin with ligands can change their properties, i.e. toxic substances become less toxic when bound to albumin and transported to the sites of their biotransformation and excretion).

Plasma albumin contributes to its buffering properties and the acid-base balance of the blood. In addition, this protein is an endogenous reserve of amino acids and is consumed in the first place during prolonged starvation.

Under what conditions can the level of Albumin in the blood serum be increased?

Hyperalbuminemia (increased albumin level) has no significant diagnostic value, except for conditions associated with dehydration.

Under what conditions can the level of Albumin in blood serum decrease

Hypoalbuminemia (decrease in albumin level) is a common symptom of many pathological conditions. The reason may be a decrease in the synthesis of albumin in liver pathology or a decrease in the intake of proteins from food; increased protein catabolism during tissue damage and inflammation; increased protein loss in kidney or intestinal pathology; redistribution of albumin into the extravascular space.