🫀 Liver Function

Albumin: What It Means for Your Health

Albumin is the most abundant protein in blood plasma, making up about 60% of total serum protein. It is synthesized exclusively by the liver and serves multiple functions: maintaining oncotic pressure (preventing fluid from leaking out of blood vessels), transporting hormones, drugs, fatty acids, and bilirubin, and acting as an antioxidant. Albumin levels reflect both liver synthetic function and nutritional status.

Full Name
Serum Albumin
Normal Range
3.5–5.5 g/dL
Also Known As
Serum Albumin

Reference Range

LowNormal: 3.5–5.5 g/dLHigh

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories, age groups, and sexes. The values shown are general adult reference ranges. Always compare your results to the specific range provided by your testing laboratory.

What Is Albumin?

Albumin is the most abundant protein in blood plasma, making up about 60% of total serum protein. It is synthesized exclusively by the liver and serves multiple functions: maintaining oncotic pressure (preventing fluid from leaking out of blood vessels), transporting hormones, drugs, fatty acids, and bilirubin, and acting as an antioxidant. Albumin levels reflect both liver synthetic function and nutritional status.

Commonly included in:

Liver Function PanelComprehensive Metabolic PanelNutritional Panel

What Does High Albumin Mean?

Above 5.5 g/dL

Elevated albumin is almost always caused by dehydration (which concentrates blood proteins). True albumin overproduction is extremely rare. Severe dehydration, high-protein diets, and prolonged tourniquet use during blood draw can artificially elevate albumin.

What Does Low Albumin Mean?

Below 3.5 g/dL

Low albumin (hypoalbuminemia) can indicate liver disease (reduced production), kidney disease (protein loss in urine, nephrotic syndrome), malnutrition, inflammation, or sepsis. It causes edema (swelling) because fluid leaks from blood vessels into tissues. Low albumin is also a strong predictor of poor outcomes in hospitalized patients.

Related Biomarkers in Liver Function

ALT
Liver enzyme primarily found in liver cells — the most specific marker of liver damage.
Range: 0–41 U/L
AST
Enzyme found in liver, heart, and muscle — rises with tissue damage.
Range: 0–40 U/L
GGT
Liver enzyme particularly sensitive to alcohol consumption and bile duct obstruction.
Range: 0–55 U/L
ALP
Enzyme found in liver, bone, kidneys, and intestines.
Range: 44–147 U/L
Total Bilirubin
Yellow pigment from red blood cell breakdown processed by the liver.
Range: 0.1–1.2 mg/dL

Track Your Albumin Over Time

Upload your blood test results to Hemoly and see how your Albumin levels change over time. Get trend analysis, educational insights, and a personal health timeline.

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Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for interpretation of your blood test results and before making any health decisions.