Albumin

The main protein in blood, made by the liver.

What it measures

The concentration of albumin, the most abundant protein in blood plasma. It is produced by the liver and helps hold fluid inside blood vessels.

Why a doctor orders it

Part of a comprehensive metabolic panel. It is used as a general indicator of nutritional state, liver production, and kidney protein loss.

What is generally associated with a higher result

Usually reflects dehydration rather than any disease process.

What is generally associated with a lower result

Broadly associated with liver disease, kidney conditions that leak protein, poor nutrition, prolonged inflammation, and acute illness.

Everyday things that move this number

Not every shift in a value reflects disease. These are ordinary factors known to affect this particular measurement:

Hydration
Recent acute illness
Prolonged bed rest
Pregnancy

Questions to take to your appointment

Is this stable compared with previous results?

Build a printable questionnaire with your own results →

Where to read more

MedlinePlus, from the US National Library of Medicine, publishes patient-facing pages on individual lab tests and is a reliable next stop: medlineplus.gov/lab-tests .

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