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Purpose of Albumin Blood Test
High Albumin
Low Albumin
An albumin blood test measures albumin, the most common protein found in blood plasma. Its purpose is to ensure blood stays in arteries and veins, and helps carry hormones, vitamins, and enzymes throughout the body.
Normal albumin levels are between 3.4 to 5.4 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 34 to 54 grams per liter (g/L). There may be some variations in the range of normal albumin levels based on the testing facility, due to which samples or measurements the lab chooses to use.
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The albumin blood test is done with a simpleblood drawwhen a healthcare provider includes an albumin test as part of your regular checkup (comprehensive metabolic panel), or if they are concerned about liver or kidney disease.Related symptoms can include:
If liver disease is suspected, your healthcare provider may order other liver function tests. A urine test called amicroalbumintest may be ordered if kidney disease is suspected. Other blood tests for protein may be needed, too, including:
Albumin in UrineAlbumin in urine can be a sign of developing or underlying health conditions that include:Kidney diseaseDiabetesHigh blood pressureCardiovascular (heart-related) disease
Albumin in Urine
Albumin in urine can be a sign of developing or underlying health conditions that include:Kidney diseaseDiabetesHigh blood pressureCardiovascular (heart-related) disease
Albumin in urine can be a sign of developing or underlying health conditions that include:
Some factors are associated with higher albumin levels:
High albumin itself may not necessarily cause any specific symptoms. However, you may notice symptoms of the underlying cause of high albumin.
Albumin levels below the normal level (hypoalbuminemia) may be an indication of the following conditions or medications:
Does Coffee Affect Albumin Levels?Some research evidence, in both humans and animals, suggests that the polyphenols in coffee consumption may lower blood levels of albumin in some people with liver disorders.Studies suggest green tea may have effects too, but more research is needed.
Does Coffee Affect Albumin Levels?
Some research evidence, in both humans and animals, suggests that the polyphenols in coffee consumption may lower blood levels of albumin in some people with liver disorders.Studies suggest green tea may have effects too, but more research is needed.
Albumin blood test results are reported in comparison with a normal reference range, usually between 3.4 and 5.4 g/dL. If you have abnormal albumin levels, your healthcare provider may request a follow-up. This may mean imaging and additional diagnostic testing ifkidney, intestinal, or liver problems are suspected.
You also may need a diet and nutrition analysis and, possibly, pharmaceutical or surgical treatment. When getting your albumin test results, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider to explain what they mean.
Summary
Albumin blood tests can help diagnose kidney problems, liver disease, and digestive problems. They may also be part of a regular check-up. A blood sample is collected for an albumin blood test.
Abnormal test results may warrant further tests or medical procedures. Not all causes of abnormal albumin are conditions that need to be treated, though. Diet, medication, and pregnancy can all alter albumin levels.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Albumin blood test.Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Albumin - blood (serum) test.University of Rochester Medical Center.Albumin (blood).Johns Hopkins Medicine.Proteinuria.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Kidney testing: Everything you need to know.Sewter R, Heaney S, Patterson A.Coffee Consumption and the Progression of NAFLD: A Systematic Review.Nutrients. 2021 Jul 12;13(7):2381. doi:10.3390/nu13072381.Sun X, Ferguson HN, Hagerman AE.Conformation and Aggregation of Human Serum Albumin in the Presence of Green Tea Polyphenol (EGCg) and/or Palmitic Acid.Biomolecules. 2019 Nov 5;9(11):705. doi:10.3390/biom9110705.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Albumin blood test.Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Albumin - blood (serum) test.University of Rochester Medical Center.Albumin (blood).Johns Hopkins Medicine.Proteinuria.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Kidney testing: Everything you need to know.Sewter R, Heaney S, Patterson A.Coffee Consumption and the Progression of NAFLD: A Systematic Review.Nutrients. 2021 Jul 12;13(7):2381. doi:10.3390/nu13072381.Sun X, Ferguson HN, Hagerman AE.Conformation and Aggregation of Human Serum Albumin in the Presence of Green Tea Polyphenol (EGCg) and/or Palmitic Acid.Biomolecules. 2019 Nov 5;9(11):705. doi:10.3390/biom9110705.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Albumin blood test.Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Albumin - blood (serum) test.University of Rochester Medical Center.Albumin (blood).Johns Hopkins Medicine.Proteinuria.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Kidney testing: Everything you need to know.Sewter R, Heaney S, Patterson A.Coffee Consumption and the Progression of NAFLD: A Systematic Review.Nutrients. 2021 Jul 12;13(7):2381. doi:10.3390/nu13072381.Sun X, Ferguson HN, Hagerman AE.Conformation and Aggregation of Human Serum Albumin in the Presence of Green Tea Polyphenol (EGCg) and/or Palmitic Acid.Biomolecules. 2019 Nov 5;9(11):705. doi:10.3390/biom9110705.
MedlinePlus.Albumin blood test.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Albumin - blood (serum) test.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Albumin (blood).
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Proteinuria.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Kidney testing: Everything you need to know.
Sewter R, Heaney S, Patterson A.Coffee Consumption and the Progression of NAFLD: A Systematic Review.Nutrients. 2021 Jul 12;13(7):2381. doi:10.3390/nu13072381.
Sun X, Ferguson HN, Hagerman AE.Conformation and Aggregation of Human Serum Albumin in the Presence of Green Tea Polyphenol (EGCg) and/or Palmitic Acid.Biomolecules. 2019 Nov 5;9(11):705. doi:10.3390/biom9110705.
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