Understanding the Albumin Blood Test
An Albumin Blood Test measures the level of albumin in your bloodstream. It is commonly used to assess liver function, kidney health, and nutritional status. Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood and plays a key role in transporting hormones, nutrients, and medications while maintaining fluid balance.
What does Albumin do in the body?
Albumin is one of the most abundant proteins in the blood, making up around 60% of total blood protein.
Its key functions include:
- Maintaining fluid balance in the bloodstream
- Supporting blood volume and pressure
- Transporting hormones, drugs, and nutrients
- Carrying substances such as bilirubin, calcium, and fatty acids
- Helping regulate blood pH levels
Because of these important roles, Healthcare professionals often use albumin as a marker of liver and kidney health.
Albumin and liver health
The liver is responsible for producing albumin. Low albumin levels may indicate reduced liver function or liver disease, including:- Cirrhosis
- Hepatitis
- Liver damage or inflammation
Albumin and kidney health
Healthy kidneys prevent albumin from passing into urine. When the kidneys become damaged, albumin can leak into the urine. This is often one of the earliest signs of kidney disease. Conditions associated with abnormal albumin levels include:- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Kidney damage
- Diabetes-related kidney complications
High and low albumin levels
Low albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia) Low albumin levels may be linked to:- Inflammation or infection
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Malnutrition or poor nutrient absorption
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease
- Pregnancy (natural reduction due to increased blood volume)
- Dehydration
- Severe burns or fluid loss
- Certain medications (e.g. steroids)
- Prolonged use of a tourniquet during blood collection
How is albumin measured?
A simple blood test measures albumin levels.
It is usually included as part of:
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
- Kidney Function Tests (KFTs)
- Comprehensive metabolic or blood panels
These tests help assess overall health and detect early signs of liver or kidney dysfunction.
Why albumin levels are important?
Albumin testing helps healthcare professionals:
- Assess liver function
- Monitor kidney health
- Detect early signs of disease
- Track chronic conditions over time
- Evaluate nutritional status
Early detection through blood testing can help prevent complications and support better long-term health outcomes.
Who may need this test?
An Albumin Blood Test may be recommended for people who:
- Have symptoms of liver disease
- Have kidney disease
- Have diabetes
- Experience unexplained swelling
- Have persistent fatigue
- Are being monitored for chronic illness
- Are experiencing poor nutrition or unexplained weight loss
- Are having routine health screening
Trusted medical information and further reading
The information on this page is based on widely recognised clinical guidance used within UK healthcare. If you would like to learn more about albumin, liver function, kidney health, and blood testing, the following trusted resources provide additional information:
- NHS – Liver disease – Information on liver conditions, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
- NHS – Chronic kidney disease (CKD) – Learn about kidney disease, risk factors, diagnosis, and ongoing management.
- NHS – Blood tests – An overview of common blood tests and what they can help diagnose.
- NICE – National Institute for Health and Care Excellence – Evidence-based clinical guidance used throughout the UK healthcare system.
These resources are intended for educational purposes and can help you better understand albumin, liver function, kidney health, and the role of blood testing in diagnosing and monitoring medical conditions.
FAQ’s
What is a normal albumin level?
Does low albumin always mean liver disease?
Can dehydration affect albumin levels?
Why is albumin included in liver and kidney function tests?
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