Albumin

You should consider an Albumin test if you are experiencing:

• Unexplained swelling in your legs, ankles, or face, which could indicate fluid imbalance.
• Symptoms suggesting liver disease, such as jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), fatigue, or abdominal pain.
• Symptoms of kidney disease, like changes in urination patterns or persistent fluid retention.
• Unexplained weight loss, chronic fatigue, or other signs of malnutrition or malabsorption.
• A healthcare provider suspects or is monitoring chronic conditions that affect protein levels, such as inflammatory diseases, heart failure, or severe skin conditions.
• As part of a routine health screening to assess your overall nutritional and organ health.

An Albumin test can benefit:

• Individuals with suspected malnutrition, malabsorption, or inadequate dietary protein intake.
• Patients with known or suspected liver disease, including cirrhosis or chronic alcoholism.
• Those with signs or symptoms of kidney disease, especially conditions associated with proteinuria.
• Anyone experiencing unexplained fluid retention or edema.
• Patients undergoing treatment for severe burns or chronic inflammatory diseases.
• Individuals being evaluated for their overall nutritional status during chronic illness or significant changes in health.

The Albumin test is commonly used to aid in the diagnosis or monitoring of:

• **Malnutrition and Protein Deficiency:** Assessing the body's protein reserves due to inadequate intake, malabsorption, or increased protein loss.
• **Liver Disease:** Identifying and monitoring conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or alcoholic liver disease, as the liver is responsible for albumin synthesis.
• **Kidney Disease:** Detecting protein loss through the kidneys, which is characteristic of conditions like nephrotic syndrome and other kidney disorders.
• **Fluid Imbalance and Edema:** Investigating the cause of swelling (edema) in various parts of the body due to shifts in oncotic pressure.
• **Chronic Inflammatory Diseases:** Albumin levels can decrease during acute inflammatory processes, making it a marker for chronic inflammation.
• **Gastrointestinal Disorders:** Such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, which can lead to protein-losing enteropathies.
• **Thyroid Disorders:** Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can sometimes impact albumin levels.
• **Severe Burns:** As extensive burns can lead to significant protein loss through damaged skin.
• **Heart Failure:** Where fluid retention and impaired circulation can affect albumin distribution.