Medical Evaluation: Understanding the Purpose and Interpretation of a Serum Albumin Test Results
In the human body, albumin is one of the most abundant proteins found in the blood, playing a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and preventing excessive leakage from blood vessels. However, low levels of albumin can indicate various health conditions, and understanding the causes and tests associated with low albumin levels is essential.
While liver and kidney diseases are significant causes of low albumin, other factors can also contribute. One such factor is poor nutrition, particularly inadequate intake of essential nutrients, particularly proteins. This is often seen in individuals with malnutrition or those who have difficulty absorbing nutrients due to gastrointestinal disorders.
Chronic inflammation can also lead to a decrease in albumin production. In response to inflammation, the body shifts its focus from producing albumin to producing acute-phase proteins. Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or with certain endocrine disorders, can also affect protein levels in the blood.
Nephrotic Syndrome, although related to kidney issues, leads to the loss of albumin in the urine due to damaged glomeruli. However, it is often considered a distinct condition affecting albumin levels. Severe burns or trauma can also lead to low albumin due to fluid shifts and the body's systemic response to injury. Gastrointestinal disorders like celiac disease or Crohn's disease can impair protein absorption, contributing to low albumin levels.
A doctor will order a blood test, which will include a serum albumin element, to measure the levels of albumin in the blood. A healthy liver transforms the protein a person ingests into albumin. People are at a higher risk for abnormal levels of albumin if they have an open wound or burn or following surgery.
If a doctor suspects liver disease, they may order additional tests to determine the type of disease present, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or hepatocellular necrosis. High albumin levels may indicate a person is eating a high protein diet or is dehydrated.
The typical range for albumin in the blood is between 3.4 to 5.4 grams per deciliter. Low levels of albumin could indicate conditions such as Crohn's disease, liver disease, celiac disease, inflammation, poor nutrition, shock, or nephritic or nephrotic syndrome.
The serum albumin test is generally considered a low-risk procedure, but some people may experience side effects such as bruising, discoloration of the skin, feeling faint, excessive blood loss, blood pooling under the skin, or infection at the puncture site. The liver releases albumin as part of its normal functioning.
Once a cause is determined, doctors can often prescribe treatment. A person will not need further tests when their blood albumin has returned to the correct level. The serum albumin test results are interpreted in conjunction with other tests to identify potential underlying conditions. If the results of a serum albumin test show low levels of albumin, a person may need further tests to determine the cause.
It is important to note that a serum albumin test does not usually require people to fast. The test is often requested as part of a metabolic panel. If you have concerns about your albumin levels, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate and personalised advice.
- Poor nutrition, particularly inadequate intake of essential nutrients and proteins, can contribute to low albumin levels, often seen in individuals with malnutrition or gastrointestinal disorders.
- Chronic inflammation can lead to a decrease in albumin production, as the body shifts its focus from producing albumin to producing acute-phase proteins.
- Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or with certain endocrine disorders, can affect protein levels in the blood and potentially lead to low albumin levels.
- Nephrotic Syndrome, a distinct condition related to kidney issues, leads to the loss of albumin in the urine due to damaged glomeruli.
- Severe burns or trauma can cause low albumin levels due to fluid shifts and the body's systemic response to injury.
- Gastrointestinal disorders like celiac disease or Crohn's disease can impair protein absorption, contributing to low albumin levels.
- If a person has low albumin levels, further tests may be needed to determine the cause, such as Crohn's disease, liver disease, celiac disease, inflammation, poor nutrition, shock, or nephritic or nephrotic syndrome.
