Clinical Significance
An albumin blood test measures the amount of albumin in a sample of your blood. It can be used to help identify various health conditions, including problems that affect the liver and kidney. Albumin may be tested alone or in a panel of measurements such as the comprehensive metabolic panel or liver panel.
Specimen
Serum
Stability
Refrigerated (preferred) : 150 days
Frozen : 120 days
Reference Range
Adult : 35 – 52 g/L
Child
| Age | Reference Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 0-4 days | 28-44 | g/L |
| 4 days to 14 years | 38-54 | g/L |
| 14-18 years | 32-45 | g/L |
Interpretation
Albumin levels that are above or below the reference range may reflect an underlying health concern. Low albumin levels can be caused by conditions that affect the liver’s normal function and ability to synthesize albumin.
Albumin persists in the blood for several weeks, so recent, short-term liver health issues that decrease albumin production may not be detected. Decreased albumin levels are more frequently associated with chronic conditions affecting the liver like cirrhosis.