What does the Albumin - ALB blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
Albumin is a protein produced by the liver and is essential for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body. It helps transport hormones, vitamins, and enzymes throughout the bloodstream. This test measures the amount of albumin in the blood, which can indicate liver function, nutritional status, and overall health. Low levels may suggest liver disease, malnutrition, or inflammation, while high levels are less common but can indicate dehydration.
A low albumin level (below 3.5 g/dL) can indicate several health issues:
Low albumin levels may lead to fluid retention, muscle weakness, and impaired wound healing. Further tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause.
High albumin levels (above 5.0 g/dL) are less common but can indicate:
Elevated albumin is often temporary and may resolve with proper hydration. However, consistently high levels should be investigated to rule out underlying conditions. In some cases, it might be a lab error or related to collection methods rather than a true medical issue.