Albumin – what do your numbers mean?
Have you had your albumin level measured and are unsure what the numbers mean? Here you will find a clear explanation of the normal range, what a high or low level can mean, and when it makes sense to get tested.
What is the normal range for Albumin?
What is the normal range for Albumin?
The normal range for albumin in the blood varies depending on age and the laboratory's measurement methods. Typical reference intervals are: 36-48 g/L for individuals between 18-39 years, 36-45 g/L for individuals between 40-69 years, and 34-45 g/L for individuals over 70 years. Newborns have 10-20% lower values than adults, while children up to 14 years may have 10-20% higher values. Pregnant women often experience 15-20% lower values in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Variations can also occur depending on the patient's body position during blood sampling, where a supine position can reduce the value by approximately 15%. Being close to the limit values can indicate dehydration or early stages of illness, and it is important to interpret the results in conjunction with other clinical findings.
What does a low level mean?
A low level of albumin, called hypoalbuminemia, can indicate several underlying conditions. Common causes include chronic and acute inflammatory conditions, severe infectious diseases, liver diseases such as cirrhosis, kidney diseases such as nephrotic syndrome, and malnutrition. Symptoms can include swelling (edema), especially in the legs, fatigue, and muscle weakness. Particularly vulnerable groups include the elderly, people with chronic diseases, and patients with poor nutritional status. If you have low albumin, you should contact a doctor for further investigations and treatment, which may include improved nutrition or treatment of the underlying disease.
What does a high level mean?
A high level of albumin in the blood, called hyperalbuminemia, is rare and almost always due to dehydration, where albumin becomes more concentrated in the blood. Symptoms of dehydration can include thirst, dark urine, dizziness, and fatigue. Causes can be insufficient fluid intake, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating. Treatment typically involves rehydration with fluids, either orally or intravenously. If albumin levels remain high despite rehydration, you should seek medical attention for further investigation, as it may indicate other underlying conditions.
Get your Albumin level tested
At Celto, you can order a blood test for Albumin directly online – without a referral from your doctor and without long waiting times. We have over 34 sample collection sites at public hospitals throughout Denmark, and your samples are analyzed at the same accredited laboratories used by the rest of the healthcare system. You will receive your results directly on sundhed.dk, just like all other blood tests from the public system.
How it works
When you order a blood test from Celto, you choose which markers you want to have tested – no doctor's referral needed. After your purchase, you will receive an email with a link to our booking system, where you can choose a time and location. The blood sample itself is taken by authorized healthcare professionals and typically takes only a few minutes.
Where you can get tested
Celto has over 34 sample collection sites at public hospitals and clinics throughout Denmark. You choose the location that suits you best among our partners, and there are typically available times within a few days. Find your nearest sample collection site →
How to get your results
Your blood samples are analyzed at the same laboratories used by your own doctor and the rest of the healthcare system, with the exact same quality and the same tests. You will receive your results directly on sundhed.dk within a few working days, and Celto will also send an easy-to-understand overview of your values so you know what the numbers mean.