Albumin blood test
Normal Reference Range
38 – 50 g/L
Test Information
The main protein in patient sera is albumin, which is generated in the liver and circulates. It regulates the colloid osmotic pressure of the blood compartment, transports a variety of proteins and other molecules, and is correlated to nutritional conditions in addition to inflammation. It also plays a role in the buffering and sequestering of hazardous compounds.
Because approximately 50% of the calcium in the blood is bound to albumin and only the ionised calcium is available for cellular functions, albumin level is also crucial for calculating the total serum ionisable calcium.
Clinical Indications
• Thisblood test is available as part of the Bone profile to facilitate cthe alculation of corrected calcium which is more representative of total serum ionized calcium.
• The albumin blood test is also available as part of the liver profile to assess the nutritional state and anabolic function of the liver.
• Furthermore, Albumin is important for assessing post-operative nutritional status in patients who had bariatric surgery.
Sample Required
5mL serum sample tube is required for the Albumin blood test
Min. sample volume
0.5mL
Special Instructions and Precautions
Not applicable
Time Limits For Retrospective Testing
5 days
Any factors affecting the test
Not applicable
Turnaround Time
4 hrs
Referral centre (if applicable)
Not applicable
Test Code
LFT, BONE