Albumin Blood Test: What It Checks, How It's Done and What Results Mean
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: November 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is an albumin blood test?
An albumin blood test measures the amount of albumin, a protein made by your liver, in your blood. Providers use it to check how well your liver and kidneys are working, and it can also point to nutrition problems. A normal adult level is 3.5 to 5.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL), and the blood draw takes only a few minutes. [1]
What the research says
Low albumin is a strong warning sign in people who are acutely ill. A meta-analysis of 90 cohort studies with 291,433 patients found that each 10 g/L drop in serum albumin raised the odds of death by 137% and the odds of complications by 89%. It also raised the odds of a longer hospital stay by 71%. (Vincent et al., Annals of Surgery, 2003) [2]
Even small drops within the normal range matter. A review of cohort studies in healthy people and in people with acute or chronic illness found that the odds of death rose by 24% to 56% for each 2.5 g/L fall in serum albumin. The authors concluded that albumin is an independent predictor of mortality risk. (Goldwasser and Feldman, Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 1997) [3]
Key takeaways
An albumin blood test measures albumin, a protein your liver makes, and is considered a liver function test. [1]
Albumin keeps fluid from leaking out of your bloodstream and helps carry vitamins, enzymes and hormones around your body. [1]
The normal range for adults is 3.5 to 5.5 g/dL, although ranges can vary between labs. [1]
Low albumin can point to liver disease, kidney disease, inflammation, infection or poor nutrition. [1]
High albumin is usually caused by dehydration or severe diarrhea. [1]
The test has no serious risks, and a result alone does not diagnose a condition. [1]
What is an albumin blood test?
Albumin is a protein your liver makes and releases into your blood.
An albumin blood test measures how much albumin is in your blood. Albumin is a protein found in your blood plasma, and your liver produces it. [1]
Albumin has two main jobs. It keeps fluid from leaking out of your bloodstream, and it helps move vitamins, enzymes, hormones and other substances through your body. [1]
The albumin blood test is one of the liver function tests. Your provider may order it together with other blood tests or a urinalysis. Your albumin level can also reveal nutritional gaps, such as not getting enough protein. [1]
Why would you need an albumin blood test?
Your provider may order this test if they suspect your liver or kidneys are not working properly. Symptoms often guide that decision. [1]
Possible signs of liver disease | Possible signs of kidney disease |
Bruises | Appetite loss |
Dark-colored urine | Fatigue or trouble concentrating |
Fatigue | Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia) |
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) | Itchy or dry skin |
Loss of appetite | Muscle cramps or weakness |
Pale-colored stool or other stool changes | Nausea and vomiting |
Swelling (edema) in the belly or legs | Swelling in the feet, ankles or face |
Unexplained weight loss | Trouble sleeping, or bloody, foamy or dark urine |
Sources: [1]
How do you prepare for an albumin blood test?
You usually do not need any special preparation. If your provider orders other blood tests at the same time, you may need to fast beforehand. [1]
Some medications can affect your albumin level. Your provider may ask you to stop certain medicines before the test, so tell them about everything you take. [1]
What happens during an albumin blood test?
The blood draw takes a few minutes or less.
The test can be done at a lab, in your provider's office or in a hospital, and it takes a few minutes or less. [1]
You can go home and return to your normal activities right away. The test carries no serious risks. [1]
What do albumin blood test results mean?
The normal range of albumin for adults is 3.5 to 5.5 g/dL. Ranges can vary slightly from lab to lab, so compare your result with the range printed on your report. [1]
Results may take a few days. Ask your provider when you can expect them. [1]
High and low albumin levels have different possible causes.
Result | What it may point to |
Lower than normal | Infection; inflammation from sepsis, surgery or another condition; inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); kidney disease; liver disease, including cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer and hepatitis A, B or C; poor nutrition or poor absorption of nutrients; pregnancy or birth control pills; thyroid disease; Whipple disease |
Higher than normal (hyperalbuminemia) | Dehydration; severe diarrhea; eating too much protein |
Sources: [1]
What happens after an abnormal result?
An albumin result on its own does not diagnose a condition. Diet, medications and pregnancy can all change your level, not only liver or kidney problems. [1]
If your level is high or low, your provider may order other liver and kidney tests. They may also ask about your diet to look for nutritional gaps or other causes. [1]
Conclusion
An albumin blood test is a quick, low-risk blood draw that helps your provider check your liver, your kidneys and your nutrition. A normal adult result falls between 3.5 and 5.5 g/dL.
A level outside that range is a clue, not a diagnosis. Ask your provider what your number means for you and which tests, if any, come next.
Keep learning: Read our guide to hypoalbuminemia, or see how albumin fits into liver function tests and the comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). Albumin in your urine is checked with a different test, the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR). For more trusted, doctor-reviewed health guides, visit Rinnit.com.
FAQ
What does an albumin blood test check?
It measures albumin, a protein made by your liver, to help check your liver and kidney function.
What is a normal albumin level?
For adults, 3.5 to 5.5 g/dL, though ranges vary slightly by lab.
What does low albumin mean?
It can point to liver disease, kidney disease, infection, inflammation or poor nutrition.
What does high albumin mean?
High albumin is usually caused by dehydration or severe diarrhea.
Do I need to fast for an albumin blood test?
Usually not, unless other blood tests that need fasting are done at the same time.
Can medications affect albumin levels?
Yes. Your provider may ask you to stop certain medicines before the test.
How long does the albumin blood test take?
The blood draw takes a few minutes or less.
Is the albumin blood test risky?
No. It has no serious risks, though you may feel a brief pinch.
How long do albumin results take?
Results may take a few days; ask your provider when to expect them.
Is a blood albumin test the same as a urine albumin test?
No. This test measures albumin in your blood; a separate test checks albumin in your urine.
Related Reading
Hypoalbuminemia: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Causes, and Management explains what it means when your blood albumin level is too low.
Cirrhosis of the Liver: What It Is, How Permanent Scarring Damages Your Liver, and What Treatment Involves covers liver scarring, one of the liver conditions linked to low albumin.
Chronic Kidney Disease: What It Is, Its 5 Stages, Causes, and How It's Treated explains long-term kidney disease, one of the conditions an albumin test can help flag.
Hepatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Modern Treatment Options describes liver inflammation, including the hepatitis viruses that can lower albumin.
Understanding Malnutrition: Types, Causes, and Management explains poor nutrition, which can show up as a low albumin result.
Dehydration: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Groups & Treatment — Complete Guide covers dehydration, the usual cause of a high albumin result.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment explains IBD, a gut condition that can lower albumin.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Albumin Blood Test: What It Is, Procedure & Results. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated December 10, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22390-albumin-blood-test
Vincent JL, Dubois MJ, Navickis RJ, et al. Hypoalbuminemia in acute illness: is there a rationale for intervention? A meta-analysis of cohort studies and controlled trials. Ann Surg. 2003;237(3):319-334. PMID 12616115. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.SLA.0000055547.93484.87
Goldwasser P, Feldman J. Association of serum albumin and mortality risk. J Clin Epidemiol. 1997;50(6):693-703. PMID 9250267. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0895-4356(97)00015-2
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor about your own diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care right away for severe or sudden symptoms.
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