Liver system

Albumin

The main protein in your blood — a marker of liver and nutritional status.

What is it

Albumin — in plain English.

Albumin is the most abundant protein in blood, produced by the liver. It maintains osmotic pressure, transports many substances, and reflects nutritional and liver synthetic status.

Why it's measured

What Albumin can reveal.

Albumin has been used in evaluating liver function, kidney protein loss, and nutritional status in research and clinical practice.

Reference range

Where most laboratories draw the standard line.

Standard laboratory reference

3.5 – 5.0 g/dL

Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Your individual reference range will appear on your test report and should be interpreted by your physician in the context of your overall health profile.

What results may indicate

Higher vs. lower Albumin — at a high level.

Elevated

Often reflects dehydration in research literature.

Lower

Has been associated with liver disease, kidney protein loss, chronic inflammation, or malnutrition in research literature.

These associations are general. They are not a personal diagnosis or prediction. Discuss your individual results with your physician in the context of your full health profile.

When it's measured

When Albumin is typically run.

Part of standard metabolic panels and liver evaluation.

Related markers

Often measured alongside Albumin.

Measured in

Albumin is one of 160 biomarkers in the Apex Panel.

A complete look at your heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and longevity systems — drawn at Quest or LabCorp, reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.

Explore the Apex Panel
160 biomarkers13 body systemsPhysician-reviewed
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This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Lab results alone are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition and do not replace the advice of a healthcare provider. OPTML does not offer medical advice, a diagnosis, medical treatment, or any form of medical opinion.