Glossary term
Albumin
Part of: Liver Function Tests
- Reading time
- 3 min read
- Last reviewed
- Last reviewed January 1970
- Reading level
- Written in plain English
- Reviewed by
- Reviewed by Medipher Editorial Team
The main protein in your blood, made by the liver. It helps keep fluid inside your blood vessels.
Medipher explains medical wording in plain English — it does not diagnose or replace a clinician. If this is a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Simple visual explanation
What is this?
Albumin is the most common protein in your blood. It's made by the liver and has several jobs, including keeping fluid inside your blood vessels and carrying hormones, medications and other substances.
Because it's made by the liver, albumin is often included in Liver Function Tests. But it also reflects general nutrition and long-standing illness, so it's used more broadly than the name suggests.
The albumin level changes slowly because the protein has a relatively long lifespan in the blood.
Why is it important?
Low albumin is a general marker of illness or reduced protein-making capacity. It's rarely a diagnosis on its own but points clinicians towards useful next tests.
It changes slowly, so persistent changes are more meaningful than one-off results.
Where you'll see it: Liver Function Tests (LFTs) and general chemistry panels.
How doctors use this result
Clinicians may use this result to:
- Assess liver function alongside ALT, AST and bilirubin.
- Check nutrition and long-standing illness.
- Look for protein loss via the kidneys or gut.
- Interpret medication levels — many drugs bind to albumin.
What's the normal range?
| Adults | 35–50 g/L |
Small dips in illness or pregnancy are common. A persistently low value usually prompts a few further tests to find the cause.
Normal ranges are guides, not verdicts. Interpretation depends on your age, sex, symptoms, medical history, medications and other investigations — which is why your clinician looks at the whole picture rather than a single value.
Common reasons it may be low
Long-standing illness or inflammation
The liver diverts resources away from albumin production during ongoing illness.
Poor nutrition or absorption
Without enough protein or with gut problems, the raw material for albumin is limited.
Liver conditions
A struggling liver makes less albumin.
Kidney conditions
Damage to the kidney's filters can let albumin leak into urine.
Pregnancy
Blood volume rises faster than albumin production, giving a normal dilution effect.
Does an abnormal result always mean something is wrong?
Not necessarily. A number that sits outside the printed range is a prompt for interpretation — not a diagnosis.
- A single result rarely gives the full picture — clinicians interpret it alongside your symptoms.
- Your medical history, medications and other blood tests all shape the meaning of one value.
- Small movements just outside the reference range are common and often not concerning.
- Repeat testing over time is frequently more useful than any single number.
What might happen next?
- Review of nutrition and any long-standing illness.
- Liver and kidney tests to look for a cause.
- Urine testing for protein.
One result rarely tells the whole story. Clinicians look at your symptoms, medical history, medications and other tests together — and a single value that sits slightly outside the reference range is often normal for you. Repeat testing over time is frequently more useful than any one number. Medipher helps you understand what a result means in plain English, but it cannot diagnose medical conditions or replace advice from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
When should I speak to a healthcare professional?
Speak with your GP or another healthcare professional if:
- You've been asked to repeat the test.
- You're experiencing new or worsening symptoms.
- Your clinician has flagged the result as needing follow-up.
- You don't understand your results or feel unsure what to do next.
If you have severe symptoms — chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, heavy bleeding or feel very unwell — seek urgent help. If this is a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately. Medipher is designed to help explain medical information and is not an emergency service.
Frequently asked questions
Related blood tests
Terms clinicians often look at alongside Albumin.
- ALTAn enzyme found mainly in liver cells. It leaks into the blood when the liver is irritated or damaged.
- ASTAn enzyme found in the liver, muscle and other tissues. It rises when these tissues are irritated or damaged.
- BilirubinA yellow substance made when old red blood cells are broken down. The liver processes it and removes it in bile.
Related guides
Still unsure what your result means?
This page explains one medical term. If you have a blood test, GP letter or hospital report, Medipher can explain your entire document in plain English.
- what your results mean
- unfamiliar medical terminology
- what your clinician may be monitoring
- useful questions to ask at your next appointment
Sources
General patient information referenced when writing this page.
Was this page helpful?
Help us improve this explanation — your answer is anonymous.
Nearly there — keep going.
A short summary and recommended next reads are just below.
Continue learning
- Next upASTAn enzyme found in the liver, muscle and other tissues. It rises when these tissues are irritated or damaged.
- Next upBilirubinA yellow substance made when old red blood cells are broken down. The liver processes it and removes it in bile.
- Next upAnaemiaA condition where you don't have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen around your body.
This glossary entry is general health information, not medical advice. Medipher explains medical wording in plain English and does not diagnose, provide treatment advice, or replace a GP, doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Always discuss your results with a qualified clinician.