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Albumin
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The Test Sample
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What is being tested?Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood plasma. It keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels; nourishes tissues; and transports hormones, vitamins, drugs, and ions like calcium throughout the body. Albumin is made in the liver and is extremely sensitive to liver damage. The concentration of albumin drops when the liver is damaged, with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome), when a person is malnourished, if a person experiences inflammation in the body, or with shock. Albumin increases when a person is dehydrated.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is taken by a needle from a vein.
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
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This article was last reviewed on
February 24, 2006.
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