Albumin, Serum

Albumin is a protein produced by the liver and comprises of 60% of total protein in the blood. It prevents fluid from leaking out of blood vessels, transports various hormones, drugs, vitamins, calcium, etc. through out the body and provides nourishment to tissues. Albumin levels are decreased in liver diseases. There are many other conditions like infection, inflammation, malnutrition, recent surgery, hypothyroidism, kidney disease etc, where the albumin levels are reduced. Serum albumin test is routinely included in several panels of tests to evaluate the overall health status of a person. Since albumin is lowered in several diseases and disorders, it may be used to screen, diagnose, monitor disease progression and monitor treatment. Decreased serum albumin levels is called hypoalbuminemia. It is seen in liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, burns, malnutrition, in pregnancy due to hemodilution, in acute diseases (and so it is called as negative acute-phase protein). Increased levels of albumin is called as hyperalbuminemia. It is seen in dehydration, and high protein diet consumption.

1. Are there any risk factors for abnormal albumin levels?

Liver diseases, kidney disorders, prolonged diarrhoea and malnutrition may case abnormal albumin levels.

2. Can serum albumin levels be tested at home?

Serum albumin levels ca ot be tested at home, but high albumin levels in urine can be tested at home using a dipstick.

3. What is serum/plasma albumin different from prealbumin and urine albumin tests?

Albumin and prealbumin are completely different protein molecules synthesised in the liver, to evaluate the nutritional status of a person. Where as urine albumin test detects and measures minute quantities of albumin in the urine and is a early indicator of renal damage.

4. What are the therapeutic uses of albumin?

Human albumin solution (HSA) is available usually at concentrations of 5-25%. It is used to as a replacement in fluid loss, to restore blood volume in trauma, burns and surgery patients.