Albumin Test

The Albumin test is often ordered to check the state of your liver; albumin is a protein that is
produced by your liver and is essential for keeping your blood vessels intact as well as ensure that
the tissues are replenished and transport the required hormones, drugs, and calcium throughout the
body. A low albumin count can lead you to experience several symptoms some of which are posted
below –
Feeling faint
Fatigued
Dehydrated
Loss of appetite
Dark colored urine, light colored stool
Constant itching sensation
Abdominal swelling
Abdominal pain, cramps and discomfort
Yellow eyes
If any of the above sound familiar, you need to consult with your doctor right away. A low albumin
count is often indicative of more serious health issue which is why you need to get yourself tested as
soon as possible.

Your physician will first evaluate your current condition, check your eyes to see if they are yellow as that’s an indication of Jaundice and that could be one of the underlying reasons for your current low albumin count. Your doctor would first assess your medical profile and then order a Albumin test. It is at this point that you would need to be upfront with your doctor regarding your current health condition and whether you are taking any medication for the same.

This test is mainly used to develop a comprehensive picture of your health; a low albumin count can indicate that not everything is all right which is why most doctors would order more tests to identify the causative factors behind the low albumin count. You need to get yourself tested right away so that you can better safeguard your health.

You do not need to undergo any special prep for taking the test; it is simple enough and involves your doctor drawing out a small blood sample from your vein. Your doctor would first ask you to roll up your sleeves so that he can apply a tourniquet, and then, using a syringe, draw out the required sample directly from the vein and collect it in a sterile container. This container is tagged and sent to the lab for processing.

The results should be available in a few hours; your doctor may recommend additional tests on positive confirmation of a low albumin count as that’s often taken to indicate serious health issues. He would recommend a series of tests and then prescribe an effective course of treatment, for your current condition and to help alleviate some of those symptoms.