- What is Albumin?
- Albumin is a protein produced by the liver, crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the blood and transporting nutrients like hormones, vitamins, and medications.
- It plays a key role in keeping fluids from leaking out of blood vessels and into tissues.
- Purpose of the Albumin Blood Test:
- The albumin test measures the concentration of albumin in the blood, providing insights into liver and kidney function.
- It’s an important test to assess:
- Liver health: Since albumin is made in the liver, low levels can indicate liver disease such as cirrhosis or hepatitis.
- Kidney function: If the kidneys are damaged, they may allow albumin to pass into the urine, leading to lower levels in the blood.
- Normal Albumin Levels:
- The typical range for albumin levels is 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL.
- Levels below this range may suggest:
- Liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatitis)
- Kidney disorders (e.g., nephrotic syndrome)
- Malnutrition or inflammatory conditions.
- Why is the Albumin Test Important?
- The albumin test is often part of a comprehensive metabolic panel, helping to monitor chronic conditions like liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, and malnutrition.
- It can guide doctors in diagnosing diseases, monitoring treatment, or assessing nutritional status in patients.
Recommended Tests
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): This liver enzyme test is commonly used to evaluate liver function, particularly in cases of hepatitis or other liver conditions. It is often performed alongside the albumin test to assess liver health.
- Creatinine: This test measures kidney function by assessing how well the kidneys filter waste. Paired with the albumin test, it helps detect kidney disease or kidney damage.
