What is it?

Albumin is a protein and is made in the liver. It is the most common protein in your blood. It transports calcium, potassium and other ions around the body, as well as hormones, vitamins and anything else in your blood, such as medicines. As albimin is produced in the liver, any liver damage will affect the levels of concentration of albumin, i.e. the levels will drop. Severe inflammations or shock may also reduce the levels of albumin production.

Reference ranges

If your indicative albumin level is lower than the reference range for our laboratory:

Generally, low albumin concentrations may point in the direction of a liver problem. Kidneys can also be the culprit in low levels of albumin, if, for example, they cannot prevent albumin from being removed as waste in urine. Decreased levels can also be caused by severe inflammation or shock.

Finally, low albumin concentrations (and general low protein values) may imply cases where the body is not abe to effectively absorb proteins.

You can discuss this result with your GP.

If your indicative albumin level is higher than the reference range for our laboratory:

Usually elevated albumin concentrations in the blood may point towards dehydration.

You can discuss this result with your GP if you have concerns.