What is being tested?Albumin is the most abundant
protein in the blood
plasma. It keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels; nourishes tissues; and carries
hormones,
vitamins, drugs, and ions like
calcium throughout the body. Albumin is made in the liver and is sensitive to liver damage. The level of albumin in the blood drops when the liver is damaged or with a type of
kidney disease called 'nephrotic syndrome, when a person is malnourished, if a person experiences severe
inflammation in the body, or with shock. Albumin increases when a person is
dehydrated.