Albumin in the blood is a problem where the concentration of this serum protein in the blood is measured, in order to check the general nutritional status of the patient and identify possible kidney or liver problems.
Albumin is the protein that is at the highest concentration in the blood and is produced by the liver, its functions are to transport hormones and nutrients, regulate pH and maintain the osmotic balance of the body, so that it controls the supply of water in the blood.
- This test is requested when kidney and liver disease is detected.
- Checking for a deterioration in the concentration of this protein in the blood.
- Which will induce your doctor to request further tests to confirm the diagnosis.
If kidney disease is suspected, your doctor may order a urine test that includes measuring the concentration of albumin in the mass, which can confirm kidney damage.
Albumin examination is requested by the doctor to assess the person’s nutritional status and assist in the diagnosis of kidney and liver disease, in addition to what is required prior to surgery to confirm the general condition of the patient and assess whether the surgical procedure is possible.
Albumin is usually ordered with other tests, such as measuring blood, creatinine, and total proteins in the blood, especially when there are symptoms of liver disease, such as jaundice, kidney disease. Learn what total proteins are and what the normal total protein values are in your blood.
To perform the albumin test you do not need to show up in a lab and be part of the test for a blood sample obtained in the lab, it is important to report when dealing with medications, such as anabolic steroids, insulin and growth hormone, for example, that could interfere with the test result.
Album reference values may vary depending on lab accuracy and exam accuracy based on age:
In addition to varying laboratory accuracy and age, blood albumin values may also be influenced by medication use, prolonged diarrhea, burns, and malnutrition.
The value of the normal amount of albumin in the blood, called hyperalbuminemia, is usually related to dehydration, in this situation there is a decrease in the amount of water present in the body, which modifies the proportion of albumin and water, indicating a higher concentration of this protein in the blood.
The value due to normal values, also called hypoalbuminemia, can occur due to several situations, such as:
In addition, decreased blood albumin values may also indicate liver problems, as there is a rupture in the production of this protein; for example, your doctor may order additional tests to assess liver health. Learn more about the events that are changing the liver