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.