What does a serum albumin test tell you?
10 July, 2018
The serum albumin test looks at the levels of albumin in a person's blood. If the results indicate an abnormal amount of albumin, it may suggest a problem with the liver or kidneys. It may also indicate that a person has a nutrient deficiency.
Albumin is one of the most abundant proteins found in the blood. The liver releases albumin as part of its normal functioning.
Albumin maintains the fluid balance in the body. It helps prevent the blood vessels from leaking too much. Albumin also has a role in repairing tissue and helping the body grow while transporting vital hormones and nutrients around.
People are at a higher risk for abnormal levels of albumin if they have an open wound or burn or following surgery.
Why is the test done?
A healthy liver transforms the protein a person ingests into albumin. When the liver is not functioning correctly, this process decreases and may lead to a drop in albumin levels.
A doctor will often request a serum albumin test as part of a metabolic panel. A metabolic panel involves several tests that check the levels of:
- creatinine
- prealbumin
- blood urea nitrogen
- albumin
A doctor will typically administer a serum albumin test if symptoms of liver disease or other liver problems are present. They may order a test when one or more of the following symptoms are present:
- unexpected weight loss
- swelling around the stomach, eyes, or legs
- jaundice, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes
- unexplained fatigue
A doctor may use the serum albumin test in other cases to monitor existing conditions, such as kidney disease or chronic pancreatitis. When used to check on these conditions, the test helps a doctor determine if treatment is progressing.