Albumin

A healthy albumin level

A normal albumin level for an adult is between 35 and 55 grams per liter. If your albumin level strays significantly from this range, it may indicate an underlying issue.

What does an elevated albumin level mean?

An elevated albumin level is uncommon and usually points to dehydration. High albumin itself does not cause symptoms; its value is primarily diagnostic.

What does a low albumin level mean?

A low albumin level is known as hypoalbuminemia. While not always serious, finding the cause is essential. Pregnant women, older adults, people on prolonged bed rest, and those using certain medications naturally have lower albumin levels. However, a low level can also indicate conditions such as:

• inflammation
• liver diseases
• heart conditions
• kidney diseases
• malfunctioning intestines
• diabetes
• malnutrition

Albumin in your urine

A low blood al can be a sign of kidney failure. When kidneys are damaged, albumin leaks from the blood into the urine, causing urine albumin levels to rise. A urine test is often used to assess the risk of kidney damage. Small amounts of albumin in the urine are referred to as microalbuminuria. Doctors also monitor the albumin-to-creatinine ratio, which compares albumin to creatinine to adjust for how concentrated or diluted the urine is.

Albumin from plasma donation

Albumin is one of the key proteins used to produce medications for patients with severe conditions. It is extracted from donated plasma following a donation. Want to know more? Read about what happens to blood after donation.

Want to donate plasma?

Every year, plasma helps around 25,000 patients. For example, albumin is used to treat patients with severe blood loss or burns. Plasma-derived medicines are also essential for many other conditions. Your plasma can save lives, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who donates blood and plasma.