Albumin

Biochemistry Blood Sciences Test

Specimen Type

Serum

Special pre-analytical handling requirements:

None

Reference ranges and test units

Age and sex appropriate reference ranges and units are reported with all clinical results.

Test Use

Serum albumin is synthesized by the liver and has several physiological functions: transport of low molecular weight substances such as calcium, hormones, and drugs; binding of toxic heavy metal ions; maintenance of colloid osmotic pressure; and provision of a protein reserve. Circulating half-life of plasma albumin is 19 to 21 days.

Plasma albumin levels are low in neonates, and adult concentrations are reached after the first week of life. Albumin concentrations show a downward trend throughout pregnancy and with aging. Albumin concentration may decrease after crystalloid infusion or in patients with fluid retention. Falsely low values will be obtained if a blood sample is drawn above an IV site.

Hypoalbuminemia can be caused by many different disease states. The main causes include:

Protein loss (nephrotic syndrome, burns, protein losing enteropathy)
Transcapillary leak into the interstitial fluid
Chronic liver disease

Plasma albumin is seldom decreased in acute hepatitis, because of its long circulating half-life. Decreased serum albumin usually indicates liver disease of more than 3 weeks duration.

Plasma albumin is of virtually no value in assessment or monitoring of nutritional status.

Abnormally high albumin levels are seldom clinically important. Increased serum albumin levels are seen only with dehydration or after excessive albumin infusion. Artefactual causes of high levels include specimen evaporation and prolonged use of a tourniquet during venepuncture.

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