Normal Values:

The normal range is 3.4 - 5.4 grams per deciliter (g/dL).

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

What abnormal results mean:

Lower-than-normal levels of serum albumin may be a sign of:

• Kidney diseases
• Liver disease (for example, hepatitis, cirrhosis, orascites)

Decreased albumin may occur when your body does not get or absorb enough nutrients, such as:

• After weight-loss surgery
• Crohn's disease
• Low-protein diets
• Sprue
• Whipple's disease

Other conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Burns (widespread)
• Wilson's disease

What the risks are:

There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

• Bleeding from where the needle was inserted
• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Hematoma (blood collecting under the skin)
• Infection (rare)

Special considerations:

If you are receiving large amounts of intravenous fluids, the results of this test may be inaccurate.

Albumin will be decreased during pregnancy.