Albumin

Albumin is a protein found in our blood. The protein helps with the transport of many other proteins, hormones, vitamins, drugs and nutrients in our body. It is made in the liver and is the most common protein in blood plasma.

This test is done to check if the kidneys or liver are damaged. If the kidneys or liver are damaged, the level of albumin in the blood will decrease. In addition, it can be measured to gauge a patient's nutritional status. In contrast, when dehydrated, the albumin level in the blood increases.

If the liver is damaged, less albumin is made. But also when the kidneys are not working properly, you lose a lot of albumin through the urine. Therefore, and often measured at the same time in the urine.
With dehydration, the albumin level in the blood increases relatively because there is less fluid in the blood. With damage to the kidneys or liver, the albumin level in the blood will decrease because it is not made enough by the liver or because it is lost through the kidneys and ends up in the urine.

Abnormalities in albumin levels can also occur due to pregnancy, congenital abnormalities in albumin metabolism, and with a diet with too little protein.