This test measures the levels of albumin in the blood. Albumin is an important blood protein that is made by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
This test is normally performed to help diagnose, evaluate and monitor diseases that affect proteins in the body, such as cancer, intestinal or renal disease, liver disease, or immune disorders.
A blood sample is taken to measure the amount of albumin in the blood. The blood is usually drawn from a vein in the forearm or the hand. First, the skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic. Next, a strong rubber tube, or tourniquet, is wrapped around the upper arm. This enlarges the veins in the lower arm by restricting blood flow through them. A very thin needle is gently inserted into a vein and the tourniquet is removed. Blood flows from the vein through the needle and is collected into a syringe or vial. It is sent to the laboratory for testing. After the needle is withdrawn, the puncture site is covered for a short time to prevent bleeding.
No preparation is necessary for this test.
The normal amount of albumin in the blood ranges from 3.4 to 5.4 grams per deciliter (gm/dl).
Abnormally low concentrations of albumin in the blood may indicate: ascites, an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal and pelvic cavityextensive burnskidney diseaseliver diseasemalabsorption syndromes such as Crohn's disease, sprue, or Whipple's diseasemalnutrition
