Albumin Blood Test
The albumin blood test measures the single most abundant protein in blood plasma. Albumin is made by the liver and does quiet, essential work: it keeps fluid inside blood vessels and ferries hormones, medications, and nutrients around the body.
About this test
Albumin is a workhorse protein. It maintains what clinicians call oncotic pressure — the pull that keeps fluid from leaking out of the bloodstream into surrounding tissue — and it acts as a carrier for many substances that do not dissolve well in water on their own.
That breadth is why albumin appears on many routine panels. A clinician reads it in context — alongside other liver-associated markers, kidney indicators, and the person's overall state — rather than as a stand-alone number.
Who might consider this test?
- Albumin is usually looked up after appearing on a routine chemistry panel, since it is a standard component of many.
- As always, interpretation belongs with a licensed clinician.
Test details
| Quest code | 223 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Spectrophotometry |
| Sample type | 1 mL serum |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
Reference range
3.6-5.1 g/dL
Reference ranges are general guidance. The range printed on your own laboratory report is the one that applies to your result.
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Quest resources
Additional details
What albumin does in the body
Albumin's two jobs are holding fluid in the bloodstream and transporting substances — hormones, fatty acids, minerals, and many medications bind to it for the ride. When albumin shifts meaningfully, either job can be affected, which is why it draws a clinician's attention in a way few single proteins do.
Why it connects liver, kidneys and nutrition
The liver makes albumin, so liver activity influences supply. The kidneys normally retain it, so kidney behavior influences whether it stays in circulation. And the raw materials come from diet, so sustained nutrition patterns matter too. One marker, three storylines — always read together with other results rather than alone.
A slow-moving marker
Albumin has a long life in circulation, so it responds to sustained change rather than yesterday's meal or this morning's workout. Clinicians often regard it as a background trend to follow across draws rather than a day-to-day readout.
Ordering an albumin test through Celio Health
Albumin can be ordered individually or as part of the routine panels that include it, with a physician order arranged as part of every purchase. Collection is a standard draw at a participating Quest Diagnostics patient service center, and results arrive as a secure PDF report, typically within a few business days.
Because albumin is most informative in context, many people order it inside a broader chemistry grouping so the markers it is usually read against arrive together in one report.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the albumin blood test measure?
It measures albumin, the most abundant protein in blood plasma — made by the liver, responsible for keeping fluid in the bloodstream and carrying many substances through it.
Why is albumin on so many panels?
Because it reflects aspects of liver activity, kidney behavior and nutrition at once, it serves as a useful general marker and is bundled into many routine chemistry groupings.
Does albumin change quickly?
No — it is a slow-moving marker that responds to sustained changes rather than short-term ones, which is why clinicians often follow it across multiple draws.
Do I need to fast for an albumin test?
Albumin itself does not generally require fasting, but panels that include it sometimes do. Follow the preparation instructions on your requisition.
What does a Albumin test cost without insurance?
$15. Celio Health's price is a flat cash price and insurance is never billed: the required physician's order is included.