Albumin is the most abundant protein in blood plasma, made exclusively by the liver. It holds fluid inside the vessels through its osmotic effect and carries hormones, calcium, bilirubin, fatty acids and many drugs. Because the liver makes it continuously and it circulates for weeks, the level reflects synthetic capacity over the medium term rather than the state of the liver on a given day.
No readings for this marker yet.
Lowered values most often reflect chronic liver disease with reduced synthesis, protein loss through the kidneys or the gut, poor intake or malabsorption, or the redistribution and suppressed production that accompany inflammation and acute illness. Raised values are uncommon and usually mean the plasma is concentrated by dehydration rather than that more protein is being made. Because so many different processes lower it, a single low result identifies a direction to investigate, not a cause, and belongs in a conversation with a doctor.
Hydration status, posture and a tourniquet left on too long all shift the figure by concentrating or diluting plasma, and pregnancy lowers it physiologically. It is read alongside total protein, since the difference between them gives the globulin fraction, and alongside bilirubin, ALT and AST when the question is how well the liver is working. Valproic acid is one reason it is tracked over time, as albumin binding influences how much free drug circulates.
Reference ranges are general adult values and depend on lab, assay, age and sex. For orientation, not diagnosis — discuss results with your doctor.