Albumin blood test in Chiswick
Measures albumin, the main protein made by the liver that carries substances in the blood and keeps fluid inside blood vessels. Booked to check liver function, nutrition and kidney health, or unexplained swelling.
What the test measures
Albumin is the most plentiful protein in blood plasma. It is made by the liver and has two main jobs: it helps hold fluid inside the blood vessels, and it carries hormones, calcium, medicines and other substances around the body. Because the liver makes it continuously, albumin is used as one measure of how well the liver is working.
Albumin levels can also fall when protein is lost through the kidneys or gut, during illness and inflammation, or with long-term poor nutrition. It is often used when interpreting other results, for example calcium, which is partly carried by albumin. The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner and a GP feedback report on request.
Who it is for
- You have swelling in your ankles, legs or tummy that you would like to understand.
- You have a long-term liver condition, or drink alcohol heavily, and want to check how the liver is working.
- You have kidney disease or have noticed frothy urine.
- You have lost weight, have a poor appetite or follow a very limited diet.
- Your GP has asked you to monitor your albumin alongside other tests.
Understanding your result
Your report shows your albumin with the laboratory reference range. A low albumin can point to reduced production by the liver, protein loss through the kidneys or gut, poor nutrition, or a temporary effect of illness or inflammation. Your practitioner will look at it together with liver, kidney and inflammation markers to understand which is most likely.
A high albumin is uncommon and usually reflects dehydration, which concentrates the blood. A result outside the range is something to discuss with your practitioner rather than a diagnosis on its own.
Preparing for your test
No fasting is needed for albumin. Being well hydrated helps, so drink water as usual before your appointment. Let us know about any medicines you take and any recent illness, as these can affect the result.
Albumin is included in our Liver Function Check and Kidney Health Check, which give more context together. For a wider view, the Standard Screen includes albumin along with many other markers. Alternatively, view every blood test and price in Chiswick.
Questions
How much is an albumin blood test in Chiswick?
The albumin blood test costs £49. This covers your sample at our W4 clinic, analysis at an accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of the result and a GP feedback report if you would like one.
What does low albumin mean?
It can mean the liver is making less, protein is being lost through the kidneys or gut, nutrition is poor, or the body is dealing with an illness or inflammation. Further tests help pinpoint the reason.
Is albumin a liver or a kidney test?
Both. It is made by the liver, so it reflects liver function, but it can be lost through damaged kidneys. That is why it appears in both liver and kidney panels.
Will eating more protein raise my albumin?
Not quickly, and not if the cause is liver or kidney related. In people who are malnourished, improving nutrition can help over time, ideally with professional advice.
