Serum Albumin

Specimen Required

3-5cc Clotted Blood or Serum

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

To screen for liver or kidney disease especially in hospitalised patients

When this test is required

A doctor requests a blood albumin test (usually along with several other tests) if a person seems to have symptoms of liver or kidney disease.Doctors may also request a blood albumin test when someone has an infection or inflammation as its concentration may provide a marker of the severity of the condition.

What the Test Detects

Albumin is made in the liver and it is the most abundant protein in the blood plasma. It keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels; nourishes tissues; and carries hormones, vitamins, drugs, and ions like calcium throughout the body. Albumin concentration in the blood is sensitive to liver damage. The concentration of albumin in the blood drops when the liver is severely damaged or with a type of kidney disease called ‘nephrotic syndrome, or if a person experiences severe inflammation in the body, or with shock. The albumin concentration in the blood increases when a person is dehydrated.See MoreSee Less

Preparation for the Test

No test preparation is needed

Sample Requirements

A blood sample is usually taken by a needle from a vein in the arm

Additional Notes

Certain drugs increase albumin in your blood, including anabolic steroids, androgens, growth hormones, and insulin.If you are receiving large amounts of intravenous fluids, the results of this test may be inaccurate.Albumin concentrations can also be measured in the urine. Urine albumin can be mildly increased in inflammation and are significantly increased in people with nephrotic syndrome.

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