Alb
Medical abbreviation · Laboratory Test
| Stands for | Albumin |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
Alb stands for Albumin, a laboratory test abbreviation.
Most abundant plasma protein, made by the liver, which maintains oncotic pressure and carries calcium, hormones, bilirubin and many drugs. Normal serum levels are about 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL; low values occur in chronic liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, malnutrition and acute or chronic inflammation.
Example: Alb 2.1 with 4+ protein on UA; nephrotic syndrome workup started.
Usage notes
Albumin is a negative acute-phase reactant that falls during illness regardless of diet, and its half-life of about three weeks makes it a poor marker of recent nutrition. Low albumin lowers measured total calcium and can hide a raised anion gap. Pharmacists watch it for highly protein-bound drugs such as phenytoin.
Related abbreviations
More laboratory test abbreviations
- A1C – A1C test (hemoglobin A1c)
- ABG – Arterial blood gas
- ABO – ABO blood group system
- ACT – Activated clotting time
- AFB – Acid-fast bacilli
- AG – Anion gap
- ALC – Absolute lymphocyte count
- ALP – Alkaline phosphatase
- ALT – Alanine aminotransferase
- ANA – Antinuclear antibody
- ANC – Absolute neutrophil count
- anti-CCP – Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody
See all 135 laboratory test abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.