What it means
A protein that keeps water from leaking out of the blood vessels into the tissues and carries many substances, including some drugs. The blood level falls with liver disease, kidney disease that leaks protein, poor nutrition, inflammation and burns. Albumin is also given by IV as a fluid to raise blood volume.
For the nurse
A low albumin can lead to edemaih-DEE-muhSwelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.Full entry and slow wound healing, and changes how much of some drugs is active. Because it changes slowly, prealbumin is sometimes used to follow short-term nutrition.
At a glance
| Normal range | 3.5–5.0 g/dL [35–50 g/L]; each lab sets its own reference range. |
|---|---|
| Spanish | albúmina |
| Also written | serum albumin, albumin level, albumin levels |