Albumin Blood Test Test
An albumin blood test measures the amount of albumin in your blood. Albumin is a protein made by your liver that helps keep fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels and carries important substances like hormones and vitamins throughout your body. This test is used to check your general health, nutrition, and how well your liver and kidneys are working.
What this test measures
An albumin blood test measures the amount of albumin in your blood. Albumin is a protein made by your liver that keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and helps carry hormones, vitamins, and enzymes throughout your body.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
Higher than normal albumin levels in your blood may be a sign of dehydration, which may be caused by severe diarrhea or other conditions.
Lower-than-normal results
Lower than normal albumin levels in your blood may be a sign of liver disease (including severe cirrhosis, hepatitis, and fatty liver disease), kidney disease, malnutrition, infection, digestive diseases (such as Crohn's disease and malabsorption disorders), burns over a large area of your body, or thyroid disease.
Frequently asked questions
What is an albumin blood test?
An albumin blood test measures the amount of albumin in your blood. Albumin is a protein made by your liver.
Why is an albumin blood test done?
It is used to check your general health and nutrition, and to see how well your liver and kidneys are working.
What does a low albumin level mean?
Low albumin levels may be a sign of liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, infection, digestive diseases, burns, or thyroid disease.
What does a high albumin level mean?
High albumin levels may be a sign of dehydration, which can be caused by severe diarrhea or other conditions.
Can an albumin blood test diagnose a condition by itself?
No, an albumin blood test alone cannot diagnose a condition. Your provider will usually consider it with results of other tests.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Albumin Blood Test — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.