What conditions can cause low albumin levels?

Low albumin levels can result from several conditions including liver disease (such as cirrhosis or hepatitis), kidney disease with protein loss, malnutrition or malabsorption disorders, chronic inflammatory conditions, and acute illnesses like infections or burns. The liver produces all albumin in the body, so any condition affecting liver function can impact albumin production.

Can medications affect albumin test results?

Yes, certain medications can influence albumin levels. Drugs that may affect results include anabolic steroids, androgens, growth hormones, and insulin, which can increase albumin levels. Some medications may also cause liver damage or affect kidney function, potentially lowering albumin levels. It's important to inform healthcare providers about all medications and supplements being taken.

How is low albumin treated?

Treatment for low albumin focuses on addressing the underlying cause rather than the albumin level itself. This may involve treating liver disease, managing kidney problems, improving nutrition with adequate protein intake, or addressing inflammatory conditions. In severe cases, healthcare providers might recommend albumin infusions or dietary modifications with high-quality protein sources.

Is albumin testing included in routine blood work?

Albumin testing is commonly included in comprehensive metabolic panels (CMP) and liver function panels, making it a frequent component of routine blood work. It's also often ordered when evaluating nutritional status, kidney function, or when symptoms suggest liver disease. The test provides valuable information about overall health and protein status.

How often should albumin levels be monitored?

The frequency of albumin monitoring depends on individual health status and underlying conditions. For healthy individuals, albumin may be checked as part of annual health screenings. Those with liver disease, kidney problems, or chronic conditions may need more frequent monitoring as determined by their healthcare provider. People recovering from illness or with nutritional concerns might also benefit from regular testing.

Liver & Kidney

Albumin (Serum)

Albumin is a protein test that evaluates liver function, kidney health, and nutritional status by measuring the main protein produced by the liver.

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What this test measures

Albumin is the most abundant protein in blood plasma, accounting for roughly 60% of total serum protein. It is produced exclusively by the liver and serves several essential functions: maintaining oncotic pressure (the force that keeps fluid inside blood vessels and prevents it from leaking into surrounding tissues), transporting hormones, vitamins, enzymes, medications, and other substances through the bloodstream, and buffering blood pH.

Because albumin production depends on a functioning liver and adequate nutritional intake, and because albumin is retained in the bloodstream by healthy kidneys, this single marker provides insight into multiple organ systems. Low albumin levels can result from impaired liver synthesis (as seen in chronic liver disease), excessive loss through damaged kidneys (nephrotic syndrome), malnutrition, chronic inflammation (albumin is a negative acute-phase reactant and drops during inflammatory states), or protein-losing conditions in the gastrointestinal tract. This test measures blood albumin concentration and is commonly ordered to assess liver function, kidney health, and nutritional status.

Who should consider this test

You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:

Individuals with symptoms suggesting liver disease, such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal swelling, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Those with suspected kidney problems, including unexplained swelling, changes in urination patterns, or chronic fatigue.
Patients with poor nutritional status, unexplained weight loss, or malabsorption disorders that may affect protein levels.
People with chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus that can impact albumin production.
Individuals being evaluated for protein deficiency or those recovering from serious illness, surgery, or burns that may affect protein metabolism.

What to expect

Preparation

No fasting or special preparation is required for this test. Individuals can eat and drink normally before the blood draw.

Sample Type

A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in the arm using a small needle. The process typically takes just a few minutes.

Collection

At the lab location, the collection site will be cleaned, a tourniquet may be applied to locate the vein, and blood will be drawn into a collection tube. A bandage will be placed over the puncture site.

Turnaround

Results are typically available within 1-3 business days and will be accessible through the patient portal with detailed reference ranges.

Understanding your results

Results are reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL), with normal adult levels typically ranging from 3.5 to 5.5 g/dL. Low albumin (hypoalbuminemia) can manifest clinically as edema (swelling), because reduced oncotic pressure allows fluid to shift from blood vessels into surrounding tissues. Because multiple conditions can cause low albumin, healthcare providers interpret the result alongside liver function tests, kidney function markers, inflammatory indicators (such as CRP), nutritional assessment, and clinical symptoms to identify the underlying cause.

Population	Reference Range	Notes
Adults	3.5-5.0 g/dL	Normal range for healthy adults; slight variations may exist between laboratories

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and individual factors. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your overall health.

What does a “Low” result mean?

Low albumin levels might be the result of kidney disease, liver disease, inflammation or infections. Low albumin levels may indicate malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, or an inflammatory disease. Low albumin (hypoalbuminemia) is defined as less than 3.4-3.5 g/dL and is one of the strongest indicators of a severe underlying medical condition. Low levels may require further evaluation to determine the specific cause and appropriate treatment approach.

What does a “High” result mean?

High albumin levels are usually the result of dehydration or severe diarrhea. Higher albumin levels may be caused by acute infections, burns, and stress from surgery or a heart attack. The only cause of increased albumin is dehydration; there is no naturally occurring hyperalbuminemia. High levels typically indicate the need for increased fluid intake and evaluation of underlying causes of dehydration.

Privacy & confidentiality

All albumin test results are completely confidential and HIPAA-compliant. Results are not shared with personal doctors, added to medical records, or reported to insurance companies, ensuring complete privacy for those seeking discreet health monitoring.

Frequently asked questions

Related tests

Liver Panel

Comprehensive liver function assessment including albumin and other liver enzymes

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Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Includes albumin along with kidney function, electrolytes, and glucose measurements

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Kidney Panel

Evaluates kidney function which affects albumin levels and protein loss

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Kidney Disease: Risk Factors and Screening

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Last reviewed: April 2026

CPT Code: 82040

This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.

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This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.

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