Albumin (Fluid)

Sometimes healthcare providers require an albumin test as part of a group of blood tests that are used to measure proteins, enzymes, and other substances produced by your liver. These groups of tests are referred to as liver function tests or liver panel. Similarly, an albumin test can also be a part of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP); a group of routine blood tests centered around measuring various substances.

Albumin is a protein produced in the liver. It travels through the bloodstream and helps move small molecules such as calcium, progesterone and bilirubin, through the blood. It also plays a significant role in keeping the fluid in the blood from leaking into the tissues.

In order to remain healthy, it is important for your liver to produce just the right amount of albumin. Research shows that low albumin levels can be a sign of liver or kidney diseases and sometimes other medical conditions. On the other hand, high levels of albumin can be a sign of dehydration. An albumin blood test measures the amount of albumin in your blood, and is used to check your liver and kidney function. A damaged liver can be the main cause for low albumin levels. Similarly, if your kidneys are damaged, they can let an unnecessary amount of albumin leave your body through urine, hence low levels of albumin.

When Should I Get an Albumin Test?

An albumin blood test can be ordered if you have symptoms that are caused by a condition affecting your liver or kidneys. While albumin levels alone aren’t enough to diagnose these conditions, they can still provide integral information to help your doctor recognise the problem.

Here are some common symptoms of liver disease:

• Dark yellow urine
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Bruises
• Jaundice
• Frequent itching
• Loss of appetite
• Edema; swelling in your legs or belly
• Color changes in your stool, for example pale-colored stool
• Weight loss that can’t be explained

Symptoms of kidney disease can include the following:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry or itchy skin
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty concentrating
• Swelling on face, feet or ankles
• Frequent urination, particularly at night
• Changes in urine bloody, dark or foamy urine
• Trouble sleeping
• Weakness
• Muscle cramps

What Happens During An Albumin Test?

An albumin blood test is usually very quick and should not take more than a few minutes. It can be conducted in a lab, or a hospital. Here is what happens: a thin needle is inserted in your arm’s vein to draw blood. You might feel a little discomfort. A few seconds later, the needle is removed and your blood is moved to a tube for testing. Finally, a small bandage is placed on your arm. It can be removed in a few hours.

Albumin blood tests can also be conducted at home but make sure to talk to take a heads up from your doctor before performing an albumin test at home.

What Are the Risks of an Albumin Test?

Albumin blood tests are typically safe and have very little risks. During testing, you might feel a pinch or slight pain when the needle is inserted. Other than that, there is a chance of bruising on the injection site, but symptoms should fade away in a day or two.

Albumin Normal Range

Normal albumin levels in an adult’s blood range from 3.5 to 5.5 grams per deciliter. Albumin levels lower or higher than normal can indicate a myriad of different problems so if that is the case, make sure to consult your doctor.