Albumin Blood Test

What do albumin blood test results mean?

Normal albumin levels in an adult’s blood range from 3.5 to 5.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL). A normal range can vary by laboratory, though.

Lower-than-normal albumin levels in your blood may be a sign of:

• Infection
• Inflammation due to sepsis, surgery or another condition
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease, including cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer or hepatitis A, B or C
• Poor nutrition or signs your body can’t absorb certain nutrients
• Pregnancy or taking birth control pills
• Thyroid disease
• Whipple disease

Higher than normal albumin levels in your blood (hyperalbuminemia) may be a sign of:

• Dehydration
• Severe diarrhea
• Eating too much protein

When will I know the results of my albumin blood test?

It might take a few days to get the results of your albumin blood test. Ask your healthcare provider when you can expect them. Once you receive them, ask your provider what your results mean.

If the results are abnormal, what are the next steps?

Your test results alone won’t diagnose a condition. Your healthcare provider may order other tests that look at your liver and kidney function. They may also ask you what foods you typically eat to get a better idea of gaps in your nutrition or what may be causing abnormal albumin levels.