what is albumin in blood test

An albumin blood test is a medical test that measures the amount of albumin in your blood. Albumin is a protein made by the liver that helps keep fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels into other tissues. It also carries hormones, vitamins, and enzymes throughout your body. Low albumin levels can be a sign of liver or kidney disease or another medical condition, while high levels may be a sign of dehydration. An albumin blood test is often done as part of a group of blood tests that measure different enzymes, proteins, and other substances made in your liver, called liver function tests or liver panel. It may also be part of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), a group of routine blood tests that measures several substances. An albumin blood test is used to check your general health and to see how well your liver and kidneys are working. If your liver is damaged or youre not well nourished, your liver may not make enough albumin. If your kidneys are damaged, they may let too much albumin leave your body in urine (pee) .