The Albumin – Serum test measures the amount of albumin in your blood. Albumin is a protein made by your liver that helps keep fluid in your bloodstream, so it doesn’t leak into other tissues.
This test is done to evaluate your nutritional status, to check liver function, or to assess and monitor the status of a kidney disease or intestinal protein loss.
No specific preparation is required for this test. However, it is always recommended to inform your doctor of any medication or supplements you’re taking as they may affect the results.
You might need this test if you have symptoms of liver disease, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal swelling. The test may also be part of a series of tests if you have been diagnosed with kidney disease.
Factors that can affect the level of albumin in your blood include liver disease, malnutrition, severe burns, certain types of cancer, and conditions that cause protein to escape from the blood into the urine or the digestive tract.
Normal values for albumin are generally 3.5 to 5.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL). However, normal ranges can vary depending on the specific laboratory or hospital.
Low albumin levels can suggest liver disease, kidney disease, or a condition causing malnutrition, while high albumin levels can be indicative of dehydration. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
The risks associated with the Albumin – Serum test are minimal and typical of those associated with routine blood tests, including slight pain or bruising at the site of the needle insertion.
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