Albumin Test - Serum

Serum albumin test is performed to assess nutritional status and any liver or kidney disease. 
It also indicates if the protein is being absorbed properly in the body. 

An albumin serum test is taken under the following conditions:

• To understand the level of protein absorption
•  To examine the alteration from the normal level due to underproduction by the liver or non-absorption by the kidney.
•  To assess the presence of any kidney disease.
•   To ascertain if the patient is having any disease related to the liver.
• To ascertain a healthy lifestyle in an individual and examine whether or not the person is well nourished.
•  To examine the patient in a panel or measurement for other tests, such as the liver panel and comprehensive metabolic panel

People with the following symptoms should do the Albumin Serum Test:

Liver-related symptoms:

• Nausea
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Dark urine.
• Oedema (swelling) in the abdominal area and legs
• Bruises.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Loss of appetite.
• Stool changes, like pale-coloured stool.
• Jaundice

Kidney related symptoms:   

• Swelling in the hands
• Blood in urine
• Dry or itchy skin
• Shortness of breath
• Appetite loss.
• Weakness
• Muscle cramps
• Vomiting and nausea
• Trouble concentrating.
• Nocturia or Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia).
• Changes in urine to foamy, bloody, or dark
• Swelling in the face, ankles or feet
• Trouble sleeping

Serum albumin test measures the albumin protein level in the blood. 

The Albumin Serum Test measures the presence of the specific protein albumin protein level in the clear liquid part of the blood.

During serum albumin test The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a  little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

It is a small test that may take less than five minutes at your health provider. A needle is inserted in the veins in your arm to draw a small amount of blood. The blood drawn is stored for examination by your healthcare provider in a vial or test tube. Some people may feel moderate pain as the needle enters and leave. Others only feel a sting or prick experience. There may remain some throbbing experience. In some cases, there may be a slight bruise in the area from which the blood is drawn. Both of these subside soon.

Low albumin levels may occur due:
decrease synthesis by liver, less protein intake, increased catabolism due to tissue damage, poor absorption, or abnormal excretion in urine due to kidney disease.
High albumin levels may occur due to severe dehydration and diarrhoea.

The albumin levels in themselves cannot be used to diagnose any medical condition. Rather, the test is accompanied by other examinations suggested by the healthcare provider to make a diagnosis. In case your results are suggested to be lower than the normal range, the condition may be a result of the decrease in the synthesis of albumin by the liver.

It also indicates conditions of less protein intake or poor absorption. The catabolism may have increased in the body due to tissue damage or abnormal excretion of albumin in the urine due to kidney disease is also a cause of low range in your test. On the other hand, high albumin levels signify the chances of severe dehydration and diarrhoea in the person taking the test.

Does kidney and liver disease affect albumin?

Yes, a low level of albumin can be a sign of liver or kidney disease.

What level of albumin is indicative of liver disease?

The albumin levels in patients with advanced liver disease may become less than 3.5 g/dl.

What level of albumin is indicative of kidney disease?

In case a patient has kidney disease, the albumin levels may increase above 30 mg/g.

What does albumin do in liver and kidney diseases?

In liver disease, albumin levels may decrease which can lead to difficulty in the transportation of essential body fluids, such as hormones. In kidney diseases, low levels of albumin may lead to problems in the repair of tissues and the maintenance of their growth.

Reference

https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/albumin-blood-serum-test#:~:text=A%20serum%20albumin%20test%20measures,the%20back%20of%20the%20hand.

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/albumin-blood-test/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322403#why-is-the-test-done

A health provider may ask anyone showing indications of liver or kidney diseases to take the test.

The test should be done when the symptoms of problems affecting your kidney liver or kidneys are seen.

No special preparation is required for the test. If this test is prescribed by others, you may need to fast for a few hours leading to the test. In case there are any special conditions or medications your healthcare provider will inform you.

Albumin levels only help in identifying the problem. They are not sufficient to diagnose the conditions.

Liver function tests

Liver panel

Albumin Protein Test