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Liver

Albumin: Normal Values and What a Low Albumin Means

Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood, produced by the liver. It maintains fluid balance, transports hormones and nutrients, and serves as an indicator of liver and kidney function.

Turnaround 48 hours, estimate Turnaround: up to 48 hours after your blood draw (estimate).

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Your reference range
g/l
30 52 g/l
Reference ranges by group, in g/l
Male · 13–18 years · BCG 40–52 g/l
40 52
Male · 19–50 years · BCG 39–51 g/l
39 51
Male · 51–65 years · BCG 37–49 g/l
37 49
Male · 66–80 years · BCG 36–48 g/l
36 48
Male · 81 years and older · BCG 36–46 g/l
36 46
Female · 6–12 years · BCG 39–50 g/l
39 50
Female · 13–18 years · BCG 40–51 g/l
40 51
Female · 19–50 years · BCG 38–49 g/l
38 49
Female · 51–65 years · BCG 38–49 g/l
38 49
Female · 66–80 years · BCG 37–48 g/l
37 48
Female · 81 years and older · BCG 36–47 g/l
36 47
Male · 1–5 years · BCP 33–44 g/l
33 44
Male · 6–12 years · BCP 34–46 g/l
34 46
Male · 13–18 years · BCP 35–48 g/l
35 48
Male · 19–50 years · BCP 35–47 g/l
35 47
Male · 51–65 years · BCP 33–45 g/l
33 45
Male · 66–80 years · BCP 31–44 g/l
31 44
Male · 81 years and older · BCP 30–42 g/l
30 42
Female · 1–5 years · BCP 34–46 g/l
34 46
Female · 6–12 years · BCP 36–45 g/l
36 45
Female · 13–18 years · BCP 34–46 g/l
34 46
Female · 19–50 years · BCP 32–45 g/l
32 45
Female · 51–65 years · BCP 33–44 g/l
33 44
Female · 66–80 years · BCP 32–43 g/l
32 43
Female · 81 years and older · BCP 31–42 g/l
31 42
30 52 g/l

The BCG and BCP methods produce demonstrably different reference values.

Source: NVKC Reference population: Dutch general-practice population (NUMBER, n = 7,574,327)

Reference values can vary between laboratories. Discuss your results with your GP for explanation and treatment decisions.

Albumin: what this test measures

This test measures the level of albumin protein in your blood. It reflects liver synthetic function, nutritional status, and kidney health.

Albumin: why this value matters

Albumin is important for maintaining blood volume, transporting substances, and reflecting overall health status. Low levels may indicate liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition. Consult your healthcare provider.

Albumin: how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Results
Turnaround: up to 48 hours after your blood draw (estimate).
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

Albumin: when is testing worthwhile?

Testing may be recommended as part of liver function panels, kidney assessments, nutritional evaluations, or routine health screening.

Albumin: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Low albumin may cause swelling (oedema), particularly in the legs, ankles, and around the eyes. Other symptoms may include fatigue and weakness.

High Levels

Mildly elevated albumin is usually due to dehydration. True hyperalbuminaemia is rare and not typically a clinical concern.

Albumin: what to do about an abnormal value

Male

If Low

Low albumin may indicate liver disease or malnutrition. Consider evaluation.

If High

High albumin is generally not concerning and may indicate dehydration.

Female

If Low

Low albumin may indicate liver disease or malnutrition. Consider evaluation.

If High

High albumin is generally not concerning and may indicate dehydration.

Albumin: lifestyle and this value

Maintain adequate protein intake through a balanced diet. Stay well-hydrated and address any underlying liver or kidney conditions with your healthcare provider.

Albumin: frequently asked questions

What does low albumin mean?

Low albumin may indicate liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, or chronic inflammation. Your healthcare provider can determine the underlying cause.

Can diet improve albumin levels?

If low albumin is due to poor nutrition, increasing protein intake may help. However, if it is caused by liver or kidney disease, the underlying condition needs treatment.

Is albumin related to egg albumin?

They share a name but are different. Blood albumin is produced by the liver, while egg albumin (egg white) is a dietary protein. They are not interchangeable.

Albumin: sources

  1. den Elzen WPJ, Brouwer N, Thelen MH, Le Cessie S, Haagen I-A, Cobbaert CM. NUMBER: standardized reference intervals in the Netherlands using a 'big data' approach. Clin Chem Lab Med 2018;57(1):42-56. (retrieved 2026) doi.org

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

Turnaround 48 hours, estimate

Full blood test

Twenty values from one draw: liver, kidneys, lipids, glucose, blood count, thyroid, iron and inflammation.

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Total Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Glucose (Fasting) Hemoglobin Hematocrit Erythrocytes (RBC) Leukocytes (WBC) MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) Platelets (Thrombocytes) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ferritin CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
€199,-

Results without a doctor's assessment

You receive your values with the unit and reference range. A doctor's assessment is not part of this site. Discuss your results with your GP for explanation and treatment decisions.

Albumin

€7,-