What is this test?
This laboratory test is performed on a blood sample to measure the levels of Albumin in the blood. Albumin is made by the liver, it keeps fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels into the surrounding tissues.
Why is this test performed?
Albumin lab test is performed:
- To help in the diagnosis of liver diseases
- To help in the diagnosis of kidney diseases
- To evaluate the nutritional status
- To evaluate the blood oncotic pressure
- To evaluate the overall health status.
- How to prepare for this test?
No special preparations are required for this test. However, inform your doctor about your complete medical and drug history before this test. Wear a short-sleeved shirt to aid the collection of sample.
- Which drugs might influence the result of this test?
- Androgens
- Anabolic steroids
- Growth hormones
- Insulin
- What are the symptoms of a liver disease?
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale stool color
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itchy skin
- What are the symptoms of a kidney disease?
- Unexplained weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen ankles, hands, or feet
- Urinary frequency
- Cloudy urine
- Itchy skin
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
- What are the symptoms of malnutrition?
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Loss of fat and muscle mass
- Sunken eyes
- Hollow cheeks
- Depression
- anxiety
- Inability to concentrate.
- What are the risks of this test?
Collecting blood from a vein is a very easy procedure and pose only minimum risk, including:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Lightheadedness
Normal range: 3.5-5.2 g/dL
- Interpretation of test results:
Causes of decreased serum albumin:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Malnutrition
- Inflammation
- Infections
- Burns
- Surgery
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Hypothyroidism.
Causes of increased serum albumin:
- Dehydration
- Severe diarrhea.
