General Information About the Test
Albumin is a fundamental protein produced by the liver and is the most abundant protein in the blood. It prevents fluid from leaking into tissues (edema) by keeping blood within the blood vessels, and also plays a role in transporting substances such as vitamins and hormones throughout the body. The albumin test is performed to evaluate liver and kidney functions, check nutritional status, and investigate the causes of edema.
Test Process and Preparation
Albumin measurement process and blood collection preparations.
Why does the albumin level decrease?
Liver diseases such as cirrhosis, kidney diseases causing excessive protein loss in the urine, malnutrition, or severe intestinal diseases can lead to low albumin levels.
Is fasting required for the test?
If only an albumin test is to be performed, fasting is generally not required. However, since this test is frequently requested along with other biochemical blood tests, an 8-10 hour fasting period is mostly preferred.
How is the test administered?
It is easily measured in a laboratory setting using a small tube of blood sample taken from a superficial vein in the arm.
The information on this page is for informational purposes only. The results of medical tests must be evaluated by specialist physicians.
