Serum Albumin Test
About Serum Albumin test:
Albumin is a protein that is made by your liver. It enters the bloodstream and prevents bodily fluids from seeping into other tissues through the blood vessels. Moreover, it transports vitamins, enzymes, and hormones throughout the body. With or without less amount of this protein, fluid may leak out of your blood and may build up in the lungs, kidneys, abdomen, or other parts of the body.
The serum albumin test is a blood test that measures the amount of albumin present in your blood. Low levels of this protein may indicate liver or kidney diseases.
When is this test indicated?
This test is advised as a part of your routine health check-up. Additionally, it may be ordered as a group of liver functions test or even a comprehensive metabolic panel.
Doctors may also recommend you serum albumin test if you show the following symptoms
Nausea and vomiting
Lack of appetite
Fatigue
Weakness
Jaundice
Swelling/pain in abdomen
Swelling in ankles
Dark coloured urine
Light coloured poop
Frequent itching
Test preparation
No special preparation is required for the serum albumin blood test. Your healthcare provider will take a blood sample by inserting a needle into the vein of your arm. Blood is drawn and collected in a sterile test tube.
If you are required to take other blood tests along with a serum albumin test that requires fasting, then you may need to fast for about 8-10 hours before taking the test. You must inform your health care provider if you are taking any medications, as certain medications may affect the results of the test such as anabolic steroids, androgens, growth hormones, insulin, etc.
Interpretation of the results
Normal range: The normal range of albumin in blood is 3.4 – 5.4 g/dL (34 – 54 g/L)
Deviations from the normal range indicate the following:
·        If the results show lower than the normal value then it may indicate kidney diseases or certain liver diseases such as, hepatitis or cirrhosis – sometimes may cause ascites)
·        Reduced levels of albumin may be due to insufficient intake or absorption of vital nutrients, with conditions such as:
o  Celiac disease (damage in the lining of small intestine)
o  Crohn’s disease (inflammation of the digestive tract)
o  After weight loss surgeries
o  Whipple disease (a condition wherein the small intestine does not allow the nutrient to pass into the rest of the individual’s body)
·        Increased levels of serum albumin may indicate conditions such as dehydration, having a high protein diet, etc.
·        Sometimes drinking water more or less than recommended may also lead to abnormal levels of albumin in the serum.
FAQs
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for serum albumin test?
The results of serum albumin test can be expected one to two days after the sample collection at the laboratory. However, it may take a little longer at times.
I had a recent weight loss surgery. Can it affect the results of serum albumin?
Every bariatric or weight loss surgery comes with a serious risk of protein malabsorption. Inability to tolerate foods high in protein and a significant reduction in calorie intake after the procedure may all enhance the patient's risk of protein malabsorption and necessitate thorough monitoring due to the restrictive and malabsorptive aspects of bariatric surgery. If you experience signs of weakness, fatigue, oedema, loss of muscular mass, etc., you may check your serum albumin levels.
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