Where is albumin

Albumin is essential for maintaining the oncotic pressure in the vascular system. A decrease in oncotic pressure due to a low albumin level allows fluid to leak out from the interstitial spaces into the peritoneal cavity, producing ascites. Albumin is also very important in the transportation of many substances such as drugs, lipids, hormones, and toxins that are bound to albumin in the bloodstream. Once the drug or other substance reaches the liver, it is detached from the albumin and made less toxic by conversion to a water-soluble form that can be excreted.

A low serum albumin indicates poor liver function. Decreased serum albumin levels are not seen in acute liver failure because it takes several weeks of impaired albumin production before the serum albumin level drops. The most common reason for a low albumin is chronic liver failure caused by cirrhosis.

The serum albumin concentration is usually normal in chronic liver disease until cirrhosis and significant liver damage has occurred. In advanced liver disease, the serum albumin level may be less than 3. Albumin levels can be low in conditions other than liver disease, such as severe malnutrition and some kidney diseases that cause extensive protein wasting.

A loss of albumin in the urine caused by renal dysfunction nephrotic syndrome can cause a decrease in the serum albumin. Afterward, the site may be slightly sore. Being dehydrated can cause higher albumin levels. Certain medicines can raise your albumin levels. These include insulin, steroids, and hormones.

If you are pregnant, your albumin levels may be lower. Medicines such as birth control pills may also lower your albumin levels.

You don't need to prepare for this test. But be sure your healthcare provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illicit drugs you may use. Search Encyclopedia. Albumin Blood Does this test have other names? ALB What is this test? This test measures the amount of the protein albumin in your blood. Why do I need this test? Symptoms of these diseases include: Yellowish skin jaundice Tiredness fatigue Weight loss Fever Vomiting and diarrhea Dark urine or gray, pale stools Pain below the right ribs, including the stomach area Tenderness below your right ribs Other symptoms of kidney disease include: Swelling of your stomach and legs or around your eyes Shortness of breath Frequent need to urinate at night Nausea Itchy skin In men, an inability to get or maintain an erection erectile dysfunction You may also have this test if you are on dialysis to help your healthcare provider find out how well treatment is working.

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.

What happens during an albumin blood test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? If your albumin levels are lower than normal, it may indicate one of the following conditions: Liver disease, including cirrhosis Kidney disease Malnutrition Infection Inflammatory bowel disease Thyroid disease Higher than normal levels of albumin may indicate dehydration or severe diarrhea.

References American Liver Foundation [Internet]. New York: American Liver Foundation; c Liver Function Tests [updated Jan 25; cited Apr 26]; [about 3 screens]. Hepatitis Central; c— What is Albumin? Albumin; p.

Johns Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. Washington D.