Albumin

Normal range: 3.4 – 5.4 g/dL (higher is better)

An albumin blood test measures the most abundant protein in your blood. Your liver makes albumin to carry hormones, vitamins, and medications through your bloodstream. It also keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels into surrounding tissues. Because albumin depends on a healthy liver and adequate nutrition, it is one of the best single markers of overall health. Low albumin is linked to worse outcomes in nearly every chronic disease.

Test your Albumin

What can cause low Albumin?

A normal Albumin is 3.4 – 5.4 g/dL. Higher is better.

Low albumin is most often caused by chronic liver disease (cirrhosis), which impairs the liver's ability to produce it. Nephrotic syndrome (a kidney condition) causes albumin to leak into urine. Chronic inflammation from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease diverts the liver's resources away from albumin production. Severe malnutrition and prolonged hospitalization also lower levels.

Lifestyle factors matter too. A diet consistently low in protein can reduce albumin over time. Chronic heavy alcohol use damages the liver and is a common driver. Staying well-nourished with adequate protein, managing inflammation, and avoiding excess alcohol are the most effective ways to maintain healthy albumin.

Medications rarely cause low albumin directly, but some (like corticosteroids and certain chemotherapy drugs) can contribute indirectly by promoting protein breakdown or fluid shifts. High albumin is uncommon and almost always caused by dehydration rather than overproduction.

Biomarkers related to Albumin

Albumin is most highly correlated with Total Protein and Total Bilirubin. Here are the top biomarkers correlated with Albumin, based on 500,000 tests done by Empirical Health.

The percentage shows how strongly two biomarkers move together. A higher number means the relationship is stronger. Green = rises and falls together. Orange = one rises as the other falls.

Albumin test cost

You can test your Albumin for $190 as part of Empirical's comprehensive health panel, which includes 100 biomarkers.

Get tested for $190

Where to test Albumin

You can measure your Albumin for at 2,200+ testing locations across the US. Click below and enter your zip code to browse locations near you.

Find a testing location near you

Know your Albumin. Know your health.

Test your Albumin and 100+ other biomarkers in a single blood draw.

Image of a man on cellphone
Start testing