HealthTip: Serum Albumin

Often times we get our blood work done but have no idea of what the values or tests mean. I will be posting an explanation of common blood tests conducted over the next few days, and today I will begin with serum albumin.
Albumin is a protein made by the liver that helps transport molecules such as calcium, bilirubin and progesterone (hormone) through the blood. Albumin also helps keep fluid in the blood from leaking out into the body's tissues.
A blood test for serum albumin measures the amount of this protein in the clear portion of blood. This test can help screen for liver disease, kidney disease, or if the body is not absorbing enough protein.
It is important to note that albumin levels can be affected with hydration (albumin may be low when there is too much fluid in the body, or high when the body is dehydrated), inflammation, and during infections. Therefore, it may not be reliable to screen for liver or kidney disease, or protein malnutrition with serum albumin when patients are suffering from infection or are over-hydrated or dehydrated.

Information Sources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003480.htm