What is Albumin(Body Fluid) Test?

The albumin body fluid test is often used to determine the level of albumin levels in your body and to be more specific in your blood. Albumin is naturally secreted by your liver and is essential to maintaining the structural integrity of your blood cells as well as for enabling your cells to repair any tissue damage. This will also be one of the first tests that any doctor would administer should you be admitted to the emergency room as this test can enable your physician to accurately determine the nutrition level of your body, determine if you have a high or low albumin count as an extremely low count can impede your treatment and even result in you being non-responsive to the same.

Preparation

Albumin is an essential protein that your body requires in regular supply to maintain your health which is why it is vital that you get your albumin levels checked out on a periodic basis. This test can also indicate the state of your liver and enable your physician to determine if your liver is functioning properly or not. Your doctor would first examine you physically and after that order a albumin test to determine your current albumin levels especially if you happen to report the following symptoms. Fatigue, over prolonged periods of time, Unexplained weight loss, Swelling in the arms and legs, Jaundice, yellow eyes.

Uses

This test is often used by doctors to develop a complete medical profile of their patients and determine the efficacy of their treatments. A low albumin count can compromise your immune system which can impair and even impede your current course of treatment. This is why it is vital that you undertake this test, periodically to safeguard your health.

Procedure

You do not need to prep for the test as it is a simple blood test that is completed in a matter of minutes. The technician will draw a small amount of blood from your arm after wiping the area with an antiseptic. The blood collected will enable your physician to accurately determine the albumin levels in your body. You need to be completely upfront with your doctor regarding your current medical history and whether you are currently taking any medications as certain medications like insulin can affect the outcome of the test. So, make sure that you keep your doctor informed regarding the current state of your health as well as any medication you may be taking now.