What should albumin levels be

If your albumin levels are not in the normal range, it doesn't necessarily mean you have a medical condition needing treatment. Certain drugs, including steroids, insulin, and hormones, can raise albumin levels. Other drugs, including birth control pills, can lower your albumin levels. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.

Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Albumin Blood Test. What is an albumin blood test? Other names: ALB. What is it used for? Why do I need an albumin blood test? Symptoms of liver disease include: Jaundice , a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellow Fatigue Weight loss Loss of appetite Dark-colored urine Pale-colored stool Symptoms of kidney disease include: Swelling around the abdomen, thighs, or face More frequent urination, especially at night Foamy, bloody, or coffee-colored urine Nausea Itchy skin.

Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away. Albumin helps move many small molecules through the blood, including bilirubin , calcium, progesterone, and medicines. It plays an important role in keeping the fluid in the blood from leaking into the tissues.

This test can help determine if you have liver disease or kidney disease, or if your body is not absorbing enough protein. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples.

Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results. Decreased blood albumin may occur when your body does not get or absorb enough nutrients, such as with:. Drinking too much water water intoxication may also cause abnormal albumin results. There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other.

This helps them find a vein more easily. They may fill one or more vials. Microalbuminuria test ». A serum albumin test is often part of a series of tests that check liver and kidney function. The typical value for serum albumin in blood is 3. Low albumin levels can indicate a number of health conditions, including:. If your doctor believes your low serum albumin levels are due to liver disease, they may order more tests to determine the specific type of liver disease.

Types of liver disease include hepatitis , cirrhosis , and hepatocellular necrosis. Some labs use unique measurements or test different samples. Meet with your doctor to discuss your test results in more detail. You should always tell your doctor if you have a medical condition that may increase your risk of excessive bleeding.

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Normal levels may vary between labs. A doctor will be able to interpret the results to determine if the results fall within a normal range. The serum albumin test requires only a small amount of blood. It is typically considered a low-risk procedure, as a result. Some people may experience some bruising and discoloration of the skin at the injection site. People with underlying medical conditions are at greater risk of developing an adverse reaction. A doctor should be particularly aware of any condition that may cause excessive bleeding, such as a clotting disorder.

Blood thinner medication also increases risks of excessive bleeding. If someone is asked to have a serum albumin test, their doctor may suspects an underlying issue. If the results come back showing low levels of albumin in the sample, a person will probably need further tests to determine the cause.

Once a cause is determined, doctors can often prescribe treatment. A person will not need any further tests when their blood albumin has returned to the correct level. Cirrhosis is a liver condition that causes irreversible scarring on the liver.

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