Albumin Blood Test: A Vital Health Indicator for Liver, Kidney & Nutritional Status
A serum albumin test, which measures the amount of albumin in the blood, is a crucial health indicator. Normal levels range from 3.4 to 5.4 grams per deciliter. Abnormal results can signal various health issues, including liver or kidney disorders.
Albumin, primarily produced by the liver, plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance and providing essential proteins for growth and tissue repair. A serum albumin test is not only used to assess nutritional status post-surgery, burns, or open wounds but also to detect chronic diseases like liver or kidney disorders, monitor inflammation, and evaluate overall protein balance in the body.
Symptoms associated with liver disease, which can be indicated by abnormal albumin levels, include jaundice, fatigue, weight loss, and swelling around the eyes, stomach, or legs. This test is often part of a liver panel, which also measures creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and prealbumin. However, certain medications such as insulin, anabolic steroids, and growth hormones may affect the test results.
Abnormal albumin levels can indicate a range of conditions, from liver or kidney malfunction to nutritional deficiency, inflammation, shock, or specific diseases like nephritic syndrome, Crohn's disease, or celiac disease. Therefore, a serum albumin test is a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to diagnose and monitor various health issues.
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