An albumin blood test measures the amount of albumin, a protein made by your liver that helps maintain fluid balance, transport hormones and vitamins, and support overall metabolic function. Low or high albumin levels can signal issues with your liver, kidneys, or nutritional health, making it a key marker in understanding your body’s condition.

Regular testing provides valuable insights into your metabolic health and can help detect problems early before they become serious.

This guide explains what it is, how it works, what your results mean, and how you can book a comprehensive blood test to check your albumin.

What is Albumin?

Albumin is a type of protein made by your liver that plays an essential role in keeping your body balanced and healthy. You can think of it as the body’s delivery service and sponge in one — it carries hormones, vitamins, and medicines around your bloodstream while also helping to keep the right amount of fluid inside your blood vessels. Without enough albumin, fluid can leak into tissues, leading to swelling and other health concerns.

Doctors often check albumin levels to understand how well your liver and kidneys are working. Abnormal levels may also point to problems with nutrition or inflammation in the body. Because albumin touches many parts of your health, it’s considered a key marker in routine blood tests.

Quick facts about albumin:

• Made in the liver and found in your blood.
• Helps transport hormones, vitamins, and medicines.
• Keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels.

In short, albumin acts as a vital indicator of how well your body is functioning, which is why measuring it through a simple blood test can reveal so much about your overall health.

Why is Albumin important?

Albumin is more than just a protein in your blood; it’s a marker of your overall health and resilience. It helps regulate fluid balance, transport vital nutrients and hormones, and support tissue repair. Because of these roles, albumin is often used as a measure of both metabolic function and general wellbeing.

Low albumin levels can be linked to serious conditions such as liver disease, kidney problems, malnutrition, or chronic inflammation. In fact, studies show that hypoalbuminemia (low albumin) is strongly associated with higher risks of hospitalisation and poorer recovery outcomes. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, liver disease remains a major cause of illness and death in Australia, underscoring the value of monitoring albumin as part of routine testing.

Globally, research has also found that lower albumin levels are linked to higher mortality rates in older adults. This makes albumin a key biomarker not just for identifying disease, but also for predicting longevity and healthy ageing.

By understanding your albumin levels, you gain insights into your body’s ability to stay balanced, fight disease, and recover, empowering you to take steps that support long-term health.

When should you get an Albumin test?

An albumin blood test is often part of a routine check-up, but your GP may recommend it in specific situations where albumin levels can provide valuable insights. You should consider testing if you have:

• Symptoms such as swelling in your legs, ankles, or around your eyes.
• Unexplained fatigue, weakness, or sudden weight changes.
• A family history of liver or kidney disease.
• Chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.
• Ongoing digestive issues that may affect nutrition, such as coeliac disease or Crohn’s disease.
• Pregnancy, as albumin levels can shift and may need monitoring.
• A referral from your GP as part of a wider health assessment or when reviewing other biomarkers

Getting tested at the right time allows early detection of underlying problems and helps guide treatment, lifestyle changes, or further investigations if needed.

How does the Albumin test work in Australia?

An albumin blood test is a routine pathology test that measures how much albumin—a key liver-produced protein—is circulating in your blood. The process is straightforward: a nurse or phlebotomist collects a small blood sample from a vein in your arm, and the sample is analysed in a lab. Unlike some other blood tests, you don’t usually need to fast beforehand, unless your doctor has ordered additional tests (such as cholesterol or glucose) that require it.

When it comes to the albumin test cost Australia, the price depends on how you access the test. If your GP orders it for a medical reason, the test is generally covered by Medicare, meaning you won’t have to pay. However, if you choose to book a private test or a comprehensive health panel without a referral, you’ll usually pay out of pocket. Private costs typically range from around $30 to $80 for a single albumin test, or more if included in a larger blood panel.

You can get an albumin test through:

• A GP referral to a local pathology collection centre.
• Hospital testing if you’re admitted with relevant symptoms.
• Private providers offering comprehensive health checks that include albumin along with 40–50 other biomarkers.

This accessibility makes albumin testing a practical way to monitor liver and kidney health, nutrition, and overall metabolic balance across Australia.

What do my results mean?

Your albumin test results show how much albumin protein is in your blood. Normal levels suggest your liver and kidneys are working properly, while results outside the healthy range may point to an underlying condition. Doctors will usually interpret your results alongside other biomarkers such as [link to related biomarker article] to get the full picture.

Here’s a simple guide to understanding albumin levels:

If your levels are too low or too high, your GP may recommend further tests or lifestyle changes. Since albumin interacts with many systems in your body, your doctor might also review results from related markers such as ALT, CRP, or TSH for a clearer diagnosis.

Albumin in context (other relevant tests)

An albumin test is most useful when viewed alongside other blood markers. Because albumin reflects liver function, kidney health, and nutritional status, doctors often combine it with related tests to get a clearer picture of what’s happening in your body. Looking at albumin alone may not explain the full story, which is why it’s interpreted in context.

Some common tests that complement albumin include:

• Liver function tests (LFTs): These measure enzymes like ALT and AST to check how well the liver is working.
• Kidney function tests: Creatinine and eGFR help assess how efficiently your kidneys are filtering waste.
• Total protein and globulin: Comparing albumin with other proteins provides insight into your overall nutritional and immune status. [link to related biomarker article]

Together, these markers give a more accurate view of your metabolic and organ health. By interpreting albumin in the context of other results, your GP can pinpoint whether issues are due to liver disease, kidney problems, poor nutrition, or another cause, ensuring you get the right support and treatment.

Lifestyle and practical steps

Albumin levels can be supported through everyday choices. While medical care is essential if your results are abnormal, these lifestyle steps can help maintain balance:

1. Eat enough quality protein – Albumin is a protein, so including foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy helps support normal levels. Adequate calorie intake is also important, as very restrictive diets can lower albumin.
2. Stay well hydrated: Dehydration can cause albumin to appear high, while too much fluid can reduce it. Aim for steady hydration throughout the day with water as your main source.
3. Focus on balanced nutrition: Beyond protein, include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Good nutrition supports your liver and overall metabolic function.
4. Prioritise quality sleep: Poor sleep is linked with inflammation and can affect proteins like albumin. Aiming for 7–9 hours of consistent rest helps your body repair and regulate properly.
5. Manage stress effectively: Ongoing stress can strain your liver and immune system. Practices such as mindfulness, gentle exercise, or deep breathing can reduce its impact.
6. Keep active with regular exercise: Moderate aerobic activity and light strength training promote healthy circulation, weight balance, and lower inflammation, all of which support stable albumin levels.

Together, these steps create a supportive base for maintaining healthy albumin. The best starting point is testing. Once you know your levels, you can take personalised steps.

FAQs about Albumin blood test in Australia

What is an albumin blood test used for?

An albumin blood test measures the level of albumin, a key protein made by the liver. It helps assess liver and kidney function, nutritional status, and overall metabolic health.

How much does an albumin blood test cost in Australia?

The albumin test cost in Australia varies. With a GP referral, it is often covered by Medicare. Without a referral, private costs usually range from $30–$80.

Do I need a referral for an albumin test?

Yes, if you want the test covered by Medicare, you’ll need a GP referral. However, private providers also offer albumin testing as part of broader health panels.

Is the albumin test covered by Medicare?

If your GP requests the test for a medical reason, Medicare generally covers the cost. Out-of-pocket expenses may apply if done privately without a referral.

What is the normal range for albumin levels?

The typical reference range for adults is 38–50 g/L. Results outside this range may indicate liver disease, kidney issues, dehydration, or malnutrition.

Can I get an albumin test during pregnancy?

Yes. Albumin is often monitored in pregnancy, as levels can naturally drop. Your doctor may recommend it if there are concerns about liver, kidney, or fluid balance.

What symptoms suggest I may need an albumin test?

Signs include swelling in the legs or eyes, unexplained fatigue, sudden weight changes, or if you have chronic conditions like diabetes or liver disease.

Conclusion

Albumin is one of the most important proteins in your blood, playing a vital role in transporting nutrients, maintaining fluid balance, and reflecting the health of your liver, kidneys, and overall metabolism. Because it is so closely tied to essential body functions, changes in albumin levels can provide early warning signs of conditions that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Understanding your albumin results gives you more than just numbers — it offers a window into your body’s resilience, recovery, and long-term wellbeing. Whether you are managing a chronic condition, monitoring your nutrition, or simply keeping an eye on your health, testing is a practical step that puts you in control.

Take control of your health today. Sign up for our comprehensive blood test and get clear insights into your albumin and more than 50 other key markers.

References

• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Liver disease in Australia 
• Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. Determination of adult reference intervals for serum albumin.
• RACGP. Liver function tests in general practice – low albumin causes.
• PubMed. Serum albumin and health in older people.

Pathology Tests Explained (Australian source). Albumin reference intervals in Australia.