Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

High Albumin: What Does It Mean?

High albumin is more commonly related to reduced body water, such as dehydration.

Test summary

Test name: Albumin
Abbreviations: ALB
Category: Hepatology / Serum Proteins
Panel: Liver Function Panel / Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Specimen: Serum / plasma
Common units: g/dL, g/L

What does the test measure?

Measures albumin, a liver-produced blood protein that contributes to fluid balance and transports many substances.

Why is the test ordered?

Helps assess liver synthetic function, nutritional context and protein loss through the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract.

Information about a low result

Low albumin can occur with reduced liver synthesis, renal or gastrointestinal protein loss, inflammation or inadequate nutrition, among other causes.

Information about a high result

High albumin is more commonly related to reduced body water, such as dehydration.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit and specimen conditions. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference range 1

>= 3.4 – <= 5.4 g/dL

Population: Adults
Age range: 18
Specimen: Serum / plasma

Example adult Albumin reference interval

The source presents these values as a common example reference interval. Laboratory method, age and clinical context can change the range; the user's own report takes priority.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Albumin is not liver-specific. Interpretation with total protein, urine albumin/UACR and clinical context is important.

Related specialties

Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Nephrology
Family Medicine

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Liver Function Tests — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Liver panel components, purposes, pattern-based interpretation and limitations · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Example adult intervals for ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, bilirubin, total protein, BUN, creatinine and electrolytes · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Albumin Blood (Serum) Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Albumin meaning and adult example interval · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Chronic Kidney Disease Tests & Diagnosis — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
U.S. government medical reference · 2026 · eGFR and urine albumin/UACR as key kidney tests; broad interpretation thresholds · Verified: Aug 12, 2026