Biomarker · Liver
Albumin (blood)
Albumin is the main protein made by the liver. What a blood albumin test shows about liver and kidney health and nutrition, and why it is part of routine panels.
Written by LON6EVITY Editorial Team · Last updated
What albumin does
Albumin is made by the liver. It keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and carries hormones, vitamins and medicines.
What results can mean
MedlinePlus explains that low albumin may be a sign of liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, inflammation or other conditions. High levels are uncommon and usually reflect dehydration.
Blood vs urine albumin
Blood albumin is different from urine albumin. Albumin in the urine is an early sign of kidney damage and is measured with a urine albumin test.
Reference ranges
Reference ranges differ between laboratories, units and methods, and depend on age, sex and your overall clinical picture. A single result is not a diagnosis — interpret it with a qualified clinician.
Factors that can affect the result
- Liver function
- Kidney function
- Nutrition
- Inflammation
- Hydration
Questions people commonly ask
- Is blood albumin a kidney test?
- Indirectly. Kidney damage is checked mainly with eGFR and urine albumin.
Related biomarkers
Related tests
Understand your biomarkers in context
What does this mean for your own health data? Log your results, follow trends over time and bring an organised summary to your next doctor's appointment.
Sources
- Albumin Blood Test. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.