Also Known As
Serum Albumin, ALB
What Is the Purpose of the Albumin Test
Albumin is a protein made by the liver. It prevents fluid from leaking out of blood vessels, nourishes tissues, and transports hormones, vitamins, drugs, and substances like calcium throughout the body. Albumin labs are used to screen for and help diagnose a liver disorder or kidney disease. This test is also used to evaluate nutritional status.
What Does the ALB Blood Test Measure?
A test will measure the levels of albumin in your blood. Levels outside the normal range could indicate a potential health issue.
Who Should Take a Blood Test for Albumin?
An ALB blood test is often part of a routine checkup to measure liver and kidney function. Your physician may also order this lab work if you show signs of malnutrition, such as unexplained weight loss. And a blood test for albumin may be used if you have risk factors or symptoms of liver or kidney disease, including:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Jaundice
- Swelling
- Changes in urine
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy skin
If you have symptoms, an albumin blood test may be recommended by your physician along with other blood work, such as liver function tests and kidney function tests, to help make a diagnosis. If you do have a liver or kidney disorder, you may need to take medication or make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and adopting a special diet.
ALB Lab Test Preparation
No special preparation is necessary for the blood sample collection.
Albumin Blood Test Results
The normal albumin range can vary slightly depending on the lab, but it typically falls between 3.4 to 5.4 f/dL. Low ALB lab test levels are a potential sign of kidney or liver disease, as well as other issues such as malnutrition, thyroid disease, or infection. Higher levels may indicate dehydration.
Where Can I Get an Albumin Test Near Me?
Personalabs’s comprehensive online selection makes it simple to shop for the health tests you need. We have a wide range of general health tests as well as many specialized tests so you can take control of your health care.
Step 1: Select the test of your choice and download the lab order. (A doctor’s approval isn’t required, depending on what state you live in.)
Step 2: Visit our lab locator to search among our 4,000-plus partner labs across America and find the one near you.
Step 3: Bring the blood work order to the lab for your appointment.
Step 4: Find your accurate test results in your confidential Personalabs account, typically within 2 to 10 business days.
We’re here to help you at any time, whether you have questions about which test to order or you want to schedule a telehealth appointment with one of our board-certified physicians to review your results. Order your blood test for albumin today.
