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Albumin

Formal name: Albumin
Related tests: Prealbumin; microalbumin; liver function tests; urinalysis

Common Questions

1.  Is anyone at high risk for abnormal albumin levels?

Individuals who have chronic liver disease and kidney disorders are at highest risk for developing abnormal albumin levels. In addition, individuals whose intestine doesn't absorb nutrients properly and individuals who have prolonged diarrhoea can develop abnormal albumin levels.

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2.  What is the difference between albumin, prealbumin and microalbumin tests?

The prealbumin test measures a protein that reflects your nutritional status, particularly before and after surgery, or if you are hospitalised or taking nutritional supplements.

Albumin testing is more often used to test for liver or kidney disease or to learn if your body is not absorbing enough amino acids which are used to produce proteins such as albumin. Albumin can also be used to monitor nutritional status. However, prealbumin changes more quickly, making it more useful for detecting changes in short-term nutritional status than albumin.

The microalbumin test measures very small levels of albumin in your urine and may indicate whether you are at risk for developing kidney disease.

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3.  Is there a home test for albumin?

No, not for blood albumin. You can test for urine albumin using a dipstick purchased from a pharmacy.

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