Albumin blood test: what it reveals about your health
Albumin is more than just a protein – it is a true multitasker in the human body. Produced in the liver, this plasma protein ensures that fluid remains in the blood vessels, transports essential substances such as hormones and vitamins, and even acts as a buffer to help stabilize the body’s acid-base balance. A blood test for albumin can reveal a lot about your health – from liver and kidney function to your overall nutritional status. But what exactly does the test indicate, and when should it be performed?
Table of Contents
- What is albumin?
- Why should I take an albumin blood test?
- How is the albumin level measured?
- Where should my albumin level be?
- What should I do after an abnormal albumin test?
- Summary
What is albumin?
Albumin is the most common plasma protein, produced in the liver, and plays a central role in the human body. It is essential for maintaining the osmotic pressure in the blood, which ensures that fluid stays within the blood vessels and does not leak into the surrounding tissues. In addition, albumin functions as a transport protein for a wide range of important substances, including hormones, vitamins, fatty acids, medications, and metabolic products such as bilirubin. It also acts as a buffer to help regulate the acid-base balance in the body (MedlinePlus, 2024; Van de Wouw, J., et al. 2021).
Why should I take an albumin blood test?
An albumin blood test is performed to assess the health of the liver and kidneys, as these organs play a key role in the production and elimination of albumin. It helps diagnose conditions such as liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, or inflammatory processes. Additionally, it provides information about nutritional status and protein deficiency. Abnormal albumin levels can cause various symptoms that may indicate liver or kidney problems:
Symptoms of liver disease may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Jaundice, where the skin and eyes turn yellow
- Swelling and/or pain in the abdomen
- Swelling of the ankles and legs
- Dark-colored urine and/or pale stool
- Frequent itching
Symptoms of kidney disease may include:
- Swelling in the hands and feet or puffy eyelids
- Dry skin, itching, or numbness
- Fatigue
- Increased or decreased urination
- Bloody or foamy urine
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep problems
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
Source: MedlinePlus, 2024
How is the albumin level measured?
Albumin levels are measured by a blood test called a serum albumin test. Alternatively, albumin can also be detected in urine, which is particularly useful when diagnosing kidney diseases.
This test is usually performed by a doctor or lab technician, but it can also be done at home. With a home test such as the Liver and Kidney Function Test from Homed-IQ, a small blood sample is collected and then sent to an ISO-certified laboratory for analysis.
Where should my albumin level be?
The normal albumin level in the blood for adults typically ranges between 35 and 50 g/L (3.5–5.0 g/dL).
In urine, the level should be below 30 mg/day.
Source: University of Rochester Medical Center, n.d.; Chugh, A., et al. 2007
| What does a low albumin level mean? | What does a high albumin level mean? |
|---|---|
| Infection | Dehydration |
| Inflammation due to sepsis, surgery, or other illnesses | Severe diarrhea |
| Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) | Consuming too much protein |
| Kidney disease | |
| Liver disease, including cirrhosis, fatty liver, liver cancer, or hepatitis A, B, or C | |
| Poor nutrition or signs that your body cannot absorb certain nutrients | |
| Pregnancy or use of birth control pills | |
| Thyroid disease | |
| Whipple’s disease |
Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2024
What should I do after an abnormal albumin test?
After receiving an abnormal albumin test result, you should discuss the findings with your doctor to determine the underlying cause. Additional tests, such as liver and kidney assessments or markers of inflammation, may be necessary. Dietary adjustments or treatment of any underlying medical conditions are often part of the recommended next steps.
Summary
Albumin is a central plasma protein produced in the liver that serves key functions in the body, including maintaining osmotic pressure, transporting substances, and regulating acid-base balance. A blood test for albumin is used to assess the health of the liver and kidneys, as changes in albumin levels can indicate conditions such as liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, or inflammation. Normal values in adults are between 35 and 50 g/L in the blood and below 30 mg/day in the urine. Abnormal values require medical evaluation and may involve further testing or lifestyle adjustments.
