Introduction
Albumin is the main protein made by the liver. It helps maintain fluid balance and carries many substances. Serum albumin is used to assess nutrition, liver, and kidney status.
Low albumin is not simply "not enough protein in food"—inflammation, liver disease, and kidney losses are common causes. Ranges vary by lab.
Why this test is done
Serum Albumin Test is commonly considered in situations such as:
- Swelling (edema), ascites, or malnutrition evaluation
- Monitoring liver disease
- Suspected protein loss through the kidneys
- Baseline or monitoring during long illness or hospital care
- Part of comprehensive metabolic or liver panels
How the test is done
- Blood is drawn from a vein and measured in the laboratory.
- Albumin is often part of an LFT or chemistry panel.
- Urine albumin/creatinine ratio may be ordered separately.
- Results are reported in g/dL or g/L—check units when comparing.
Preparation and precautions
- Fasting may be required if part of a fasting panel.
- Report IV fluids, burns, or severe infection.
- List all medicines and supplements.
- Mention pregnancy—values can shift slightly.
Understanding results
Your clinician interprets lab or imaging ranges together with your symptoms. Online “normal values” do not always apply to your case.
- Low albumin prompts a search for cause—it is not a diagnosis by itself.
- High values sometimes reflect dehydration.
- Reference ranges differ between laboratories.
- Your doctor combines other tests and symptoms to explain results.
Risks or limitations
- Minor risks from blood collection.
- Acute illness can temporarily lower albumin and confuse interpretation.
- Requesting albumin infusion without medical indication can be harmful.
After the test
- Discuss the report with your clinician.
- Nutrition advice or further labs and imaging may be recommended.
- Seek urgent care for severe breathlessness or rapidly worsening swelling.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need an IV drip if albumin is low?
Not always. Treatment depends on cause and symptoms; do not demand infusion on your own.
Will eating eggs and fish raise albumin?
Nutrition helps, but liver or kidney problems may not correct with diet alone.
Is urine albumin the same as blood albumin?
No. Urine albumin suggests kidney leakage; blood albumin reflects overall status.
Important caution
This article is general health information. It is not personal medical advice or a prescription.
Your clinician decides whether you need this test, how to prepare, and what the results mean. If you have emergency symptoms, go to hospital without waiting for a lab report.