Albumin is the most abundant protein in blood plasma, produced exclusively by the liver.
It makes up 50% to 60% of total plasma proteins in healthy people.
A simple blood draw can measure your levels and reveal important clues about your liver, kidneys, and overall health.
Let’s break down what the test shows and why it matters.
What is an albumin blood test
Albumin in blood is the most abundant protein in blood plasma. The liver produces albumin and releases it into circulation.
It maintains blood volume and carries hormones, vitamins, enzymes, and many medicines throughout your body.
The test measures serum albumin levels from a simple blood draw. Labs report results in g/dL, commonly 3.5–5.0 g/dL for adults.
Low or high values guide follow-up testing.
The result helps evaluate liver function and kidney function. Low albumin suggests reduced liver production or protein loss through the kidneys.
High albumin usually reflects dehydration or temporary concentration effects.
If you search what is albumin in blood test, you’ll find it listed on liver panels and comprehensive metabolic panels. It pairs with total protein and feeds the A/G ratio for more context.
Actually, this is a useful, low-cost marker. It can flag malnutrition and early kidney leakage before symptoms appear, though a single value rarely tells the whole story.
We advise reviewing results with your clinician. Fasting usually isn’t required.
Bring recent meds and symptoms to the appointment so your provider can interpret the albumin test results in context and recommend next steps.
What does albumin do in the blood
Albumin is the most abundant protein in blood plasma. The liver makes serum albumin and releases it into circulation to perform several critical jobs.
Ever wonder how your blood stays balanced inside your vessels? Albumin is the answer.
- Maintain fluid balance — Albumin creates about 75% of the plasma oncotic pressure. That pressure holds fluid inside blood vessels and limits edema and ascites.
- Transport hormones and vitamins — Albumin carries many molecules, including hormones, vitamins, fatty acids, enzymes, and medicines. Drugs like warfarin bind strongly to albumin, which affects their active amount.
- Support metabolic function — Albumin buffers pH and scavenges free radicals. Low albumin links to slower wound healing and poor nutritional status.
High or low albumin also changes how other lab values read. In my opinion, serum albumin gives clear, actionable information when paired with liver and kidney tests.
If your albumin levels fall outside the common 3.5–5.0 g/dL range, ask your clinician to evaluate causes and next steps.
Normal albumin levels and ranges
We present clear lab ranges so you can read results with confidence.
The standard adult albumin normal range is 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL. Exact cutoffs vary by lab, assay method, and age.
Pediatric and newborn ranges can differ from adult values.
Values below 3.5 g/dL suggest low albumin or hypoalbuminemia. Values above 5.0 g/dL suggest high albumin or hyperalbuminemia.
Your clinician interprets the serum albumin number alongside liver function tests, kidney tests, symptoms, and medical history. Context is everything here.
| Albumin Level (g/dL) | Interpretation | Possible Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Below 3.5 | Low (Hypoalbuminemia) | Liver disease, kidney loss, malnutrition, inflammation |
| 3.5–5.0 | Normal | Healthy liver and kidney function |
| Above 5.0 | High (Hyperalbuminemia) | Dehydration, acute stress, certain medications |
Knowing your precise value helps focus follow-up testing and treatment. If your albumin falls outside 3.5–5.0 g/dL, ask your clinician to review the result and plan next steps.
Book 15 minutes to discuss context and any needed tests.
What does low albumin mean
Liver disease and low albumin
We explain how liver damage lowers albumin production and why that matters for your health.
The liver makes most of your serum albumin. Hepatitis, cirrhosis, and acute liver injury cut that production.
Low albumin often appears as hypoalbuminemia on a liver function test.
Albumin loss reduces oncotic pressure. Fluid shifts into the abdomen and legs, causing ascites risk and visible swelling.
Drug transport and vitamin binding weaken when albumin levels fall.
Albumin under 3.5 g/dL usually signals reduced synthetic liver function. Labs like alkaline phosphatase help complete the picture.
Check dangerous alkaline phosphatase levels for more details.
Tracking serum albumin with other markers gives a clearer prognosis. See your clinician for targeted testing and treatment options.
Kidney disease and protein loss
Proteinuria means albumin leaks into urine because kidney filters break. This loss lowers serum albumin and signals kidney stress.
If you search what is albumin in blood test, it measures serum albumin. Urine albumin signals kidney damage, not just low production.
Clinicians detect small albumin losses with the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) on a urine sample. ACR corrects for urine concentration and reveals early albuminuria.
Clinically, an ACR above 30 mg/g flags abnormal albumin loss. Values between 30 and 300 mg/g show moderate risk.
Over 300 mg/g indicates heavy proteinuria.
Early ACR testing saves kidney function by prompting treatment. Cases show therapy can slow decline within months.
We recommend you ask your clinician for an ACR. Request screening if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or unexplained swelling.
Book 15 minutes to review results.
Malnutrition and malabsorption disorders
Malnutrition and malabsorption reduce albumin in blood and cause nutrient shortfalls. An albumin blood test detects falling serum albumin as hypoalbuminemia.
Inadequate protein intake lowers albumin production. Normal albumin equals 3.5–5.0 g/dL; under 3.5 g/dL shows low albumin.
Celiac disease and Crohn’s damage the gut and cause serum albumin drops. Testing for malabsorption clarifies causes of low albumin and guides treatment.
If your low albumin levels persist, ask about diet and GI testing. Aim for 1.2 g protein per kg daily when recovering from malnutrition.
Work with a dietitian for tailored protein targets and GI testing plans.
Treating the underlying disease raises albumin over weeks. Recheck albumin after treatment or nutrition changes.
Symptoms of hypoalbuminemia
Low serum albumin produces visible signs you can notice. Common signs include edema, leg and abdominal swelling, and persistent fatigue.
You may lose weight, develop jaundice, pass dark urine, or see pale stools. A serum albumin below 3.5 g/dL typically signals low albumin levels.
We urge an albumin blood test when these symptoms appear. Early testing prevents worsening and guides treatment quickly.
If you notice swelling or jaundice, get tested and seek medical care. Edema happens because low albumin reduces blood oncotic pressure.
Symptoms vary by severity and the underlying cause of hypoalbuminemia. Ask your clinician to check albumin, A/G ratio, and urine protein.
Prompt diagnosis guides nutrition, diuretics, or specific liver or kidney care.
What does high albumin indicate
Dehydration and albumin concentration
We point out that fluid loss concentrates albumin in blood. Serum albumin normally ranges 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL.
Losing plasma volume from dehydration, diarrhea, or vomiting reduces the liquid portion of blood.
That raises measured albumin per volume and can create falsely elevated levels. Labs read higher albumin even though total body albumin didn’t change.
I’d say a repeat albumin blood test after rehydration avoids unnecessary worry. Small fluid losses can increase albumin levels by several tenths of a g/dL.
If you wonder what is albumin in blood test, note that high albumin often reflects low plasma volume. True hyperalbuminemia remains uncommon.
Rehydration should make levels normalize with hydration. If levels stay high, evaluate liver and kidney causes and consult your clinician.
Acute stress and inflammation
We watch albumin trends after major injury. They change fast.
Surgery, heart attack, severe burns, and infections trigger an acute stress response. Stress hormones move fluids between compartments, causing vascular fluid shifts and transient concentration of blood proteins.
Measured serum albumin can show temporary albumin elevation. This rise often reflects hemoconcentration, not extra production by the liver.
Clinicians should check hydration and inflammatory markers when albumin rises. Albumin usually falls later as the liver favors acute phase proteins like CRP.
Check values against the albumin normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL. Repeat tests after hydration normalizes.
Medications affecting albumin levels
Certain drugs can raise serum albumin and skew an albumin blood test.
Anabolic steroids and androgens increase liver protein synthesis. Growth hormone boosts protein production and raises measured albumin.
Insulin changes fluid and protein distribution and can lift albumin levels.
Raised albumin from medications can mask low albumin from liver or kidney issues. A high albumin result may reflect drug effects rather than true health.
We ask patients about hormones, supplements, and insulin use before interpreting results. Clinicians should verify medication lists and hydration status when they see high albumin.
Tell your provider about any anabolic agents or hormone therapy before testing to reduce false readings.
Understanding the albumin globulin ratio
We explain lab values in plain terms. The A/G ratio compares albumin to globulin within the total protein panel.
Labs report albumin and globulin in g/dL and calculate the ratio for diagnostic context.
If you ask what is albumin in blood test, it measures serum albumin produced by the liver. Normal A/G ratio ranges roughly 1.0 to 2.1, but exact cutoffs vary by lab and age.
Low A/G ratio can mean reduced albumin production from liver disease, albumin loss through the kidneys with proteinuria, or raised globulins from chronic inflammation or autoimmune disorders.
Hypoalbuminemia often shows as swelling, fatigue, and delayed wound healing.
The A/G ratio adds useful context to single albumin values. Check A/G alongside liver function tests, urine protein tests, and clinical signs to form a clear picture.
Serum albumin normal range sits near 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL. For example, albumin 2.8 g/dL and globulins 3.0 g/dL give an A/G ratio of about 0.93, which prompts liver panels, urine ACR, or immunology screens.
Read the official lab overview at MedlinePlus. If your ratio is low, book a 15-minute consult with your provider to review next steps.
How albumin test results are measured
We explain how an albumin blood test is measured. A trained phlebotomist draws blood from a vein in your arm.
The draw feels like a brief pinch. Labs usually collect 2 to 5 mL.
Technicians spin the tube to separate serum and measure serum albumin levels with dye-binding or automated assays.
Common methods include bromocresol green dye binding and immunoturbidimetry. Results report in grams per deciliter, with typical reference values near 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL.
Risks remain minimal. You may feel brief pain or have a small bruise.
Rare infections occur, and feeling lightheaded can happen after the draw.
Typical processing time is 24 to 48 hours. Some urgent labs return same-day results.
Serum stays stable refrigerated for about 48 hours; freezing preserves samples longer for special tests.
You don’t need to fast for this test. Fasting rarely changes albumin measurements and adds unnecessary hassle for most patients.
Out-of-pocket cost varies by lab, often about $10 to $50 without insurance. Bring a medication list and recent symptoms to the appointment.
Ask your clinician to explain results against the albumin normal range.
Follow-up often includes liver panels or an A/G ratio. Those tests give context to your albumin test results.
You’ll also like: Low Red Blood Cell Count: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
How to interpret your albumin test results
We recommend reading albumin alongside other labs for clear context. The albumin blood test reports how much albumin is in plasma.
The test appears on a comprehensive metabolic panel or liver function test.
Check serum markers, kidney tests, and the albumin normal range on your report. If you ask what is albumin in blood test, albumin is the main plasma protein made by the liver.
It keeps fluid in vessels and transports substances. Low numbers indicate hypoalbuminemia from liver disease, kidney loss, poor nutrition, or inflammation.
Symptoms include swelling, fatigue, and weight loss.
Pairing lab results with symptoms cuts misreads. High albumin often reflects dehydration or acute stress.
Acute illness and fluid loss can raise values, and levels usually normalize after rehydration or recovery.
Compare your serum albumin levels to other data points. Look at total protein and the albumin globulin ratio.
Review liver enzymes and kidney markers, and use imaging or urine ACR when recommended.
Bring medications, symptoms, and medical history to your provider. Review results with a clinician before changing treatment.
For broader blood context, see CBC with differential values and meanings.
You can book a 15-minute review with your clinician. A short visit prevents unnecessary worry and speeds next steps.
Read also: What Does High Hemoglobin Mean In A Blood Test
How to increase albumin levels naturally
We recommend practical, test-driven steps to raise serum albumin. An albumin blood test helps guide treatment, and normal serum albumin ranges 3.5–5.0 g/dL.
Aim for 1.0–1.5 g/kg body weight daily if your provider agrees. Foods high in quality protein raise serum albumin faster.
Adequate protein intake means eggs, lean meat, dairy, fish, legumes, and whey. Address malabsorption with testing for celiac disease and pancreatic issues.
Treat deficiencies with supplements under medical guidance.
Watch liver and kidney health closely. Manage liver health by limiting alcohol and controlling viral hepatitis when present.
If liver tests show high alkaline phosphatase, review the diet and refer to foods to avoid if alkaline phosphatase is high for specifics.
Control kidney disease to stop albumin loss. Test urine for albumin and ACR regularly.
Treat underlying conditions such as inflammation or chronic illness.
Medical options include IV albumin and targeted therapies. Check the albumin globulin ratio for a fuller picture.
Steady diet change and prompt medical review work best. Try higher protein for two weeks and recheck your albumin.
Seek care if albumin drops below 3.5 g/dL or symptoms occur.
You’ll also like: What Is Lymphocytes In Blood Test
Educational notice: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
