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What is Albumin (ALB, Serum Albumin Test) in Blood Test? What is High and Low Albumin (ALB) Value? Causes & Treatment?

Updated: Jun 18, 2024

  • Albumin (ALB) in blood test is a test that measures the number of albumin in your blood.

  • The albumin blood test is used to check liver and kidney function.

  • Albumin ensures the fluid balance between the vessels and tissue spaces thanks to the pressure it creates within the vessel. Thanks to albumin, which constitutes approximately 60% of the total protein amount in the blood, fluid accumulation (edema) in the tissues is prevented.  

  • If albumin levels are low in a blood test, this may be the result of kidney disease, liver disease, inflammation, or infections. High albumin levels are often the result of dehydration or severe diarrhea.

Albumin (ALB) in blood test is a test that measures the number of albumin in your blood. The albumin blood test is used to check liver and kidney function. Albumin ensures the fluid balance between the vessels and tissue spaces thanks to the pressure it creates within the vessel. Thanks to albumin, which constitutes approximately 60% of the total protein amount in the blood, fluid accumulation (edema) in the tissues is prevented.   If albumin levels are low in a blood test, this may be the result of kidney disease, liver disease, inflammation, or infections. High albumin levels are often the result of dehydration or severe diarrhea. The normal value of Albumin in blood test is 3.5 to 5.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL). High albumin is a value above 5.5 grams per deciliter in a blood test. High albumin is less common than low albumin. It is mostly seen in cases of dehydration. Low albumin is a value below 3.5 grams per deciliter in a blood test. This condition is called hypoalbuminemia. If the albumin level is low, oncotic blood pressure cannot be regulated and accordingly, bulky proteins in the blood cannot pass through narrow structures such as capillaries.
What is Albumin (ALB, Serum Albumin Test) in Blood Test? What is High and Low Albumin (ALB) Value? Causes & Treatment?

What is A Normal Albumin Value in Blood Test ?

  • The normal value of Albumin in blood test is 3.5 to 5.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL). Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories.

  • Approximately 12 - 14 g of albumin is synthesized in the liver daily.


What is High Albumin Value in Blood Test?

  • High albumin is a value above 5.5 grams per deciliter in a blood test.

  • High albumin is less common than low albumin.

  • It is mostly seen in cases of dehydration.


What Causes High Albumin in Blood Test?

  • Severe diarrhea

  • Excessive sweating

  • Diuretic use

  • Conditions that may cause fluid loss, such as diabetes.

High Albumin Symptoms

  • Constant desire to sleep

  • Dry mouth

  • Pain in the abdominal area

  • Dizziness

  • Fatigue and weakness

  • Frequent urination

  • Pain in bones and joints

High albumin itself may not necessarily cause any specific symptoms. However, you may notice symptoms of the underlying cause of high albumin.


How to Treat High Albumin Level?

For the treatment of high Albumin, the underlying health problems that cause high Albumin must first be investigated. For example, in cases of high albumin caused by dehydration, the lost fluid must be replaced. If you have fluid loss due to diuretic medication use, your doctor may rearrange your treatment.


What is Low Albumin in Blood Test?

  • Low albumin is a value below 3.5 grams per deciliter in a blood test.

  • This condition is called hypoalbuminemia.

  • If the albumin level is low, oncotic blood pressure cannot be regulated and accordingly, bulky proteins in the blood cannot pass through narrow structures such as capillaries.


What Causes Low Albumin in Blood Test?

Some possible factors that cause low albumin include:

  • Liver diseases

  • Kidney diseases

  • Malnutrition

  • Infection

  • Digestive diseases

  • Burns over a large area of your body

  • Thyroid disease

  • Pregnancy may cause you to have low albumin levels.


Low Albumin Symptoms

  • Bruises.

  • Dark urine.

  • Tiredness.

  • Jaundice (yellow skin or whites of the eyes).

  • Loss of appetite.

  • Stool changes, such as pale stools.

  • Edema (swelling) in your abdomen or legs.

  • Unexplained weight loss.

  • Frequent urination (nocturia), especially at night.

  • Itchy or dry skin.

  • Muscle cramps or weakness.

  • Nausea and vomiting.

  • Sleep problem.

  • Urinary changes such as bloody, foamy or dark colored urine.


How to Treat Low Albumin Level?

To treat low Albumin, the underlying cause must first be identified. Your doctor may request additional tests for this. After making the diagnosis, your doctor will apply the treatment protocol. You can speed up the healing process by avoiding smoking and alcohol and eating healthy.



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