Low albumin

[bootsboots]

My albumin is less than 3. It has been going down for a few months. My doctor--internist, not nephrologist-- says this is "Terrific." I don't understand how it can be good if normal levels start at 3.4?

[RickHow]

You do not say if you are speaking of blood test or urine test. The normal range you refer to is for blood. Since your doctor said terrific I think perhaps you are speaking of urine?

[bootsboots in reply to RickHow]

yes, sorry, urine.

[RickHow in reply to bootsboots]

that is why he was pleased.

[bootsboots in reply to RickHow]

wait--I don't understand. I thought "normal" (beginning at the low level) is 3.4?

[RickHow in reply to bootsboots]

Proteins, such as albumin, are usually something your kidneys keep in. Albumin’s a building block that helps your body heal. But if your kidneys aren’t working quite right, this substance starts to leak into your urine.

A microalbumin urine test checks how much is in your pee. Usually, there’s none or very little, so a high amount can be a sign of kidney disease. Early testing can help you and your doctor change treatment to help limit more serious problems.

You want a very low amount in your Urine. You have stated that the number is going down, correct? So your doctor is happy that the number is dropping.

A ratio of albumin (mcg/L) to creatinine (mg/L) of less than 30 is normal; a ratio of 30-300 signifies microalbuminuria and values above 300 are considered as macroalbuminuria. On a standard urine dipstick, 10-20 mg/dL is the minimal detection limit of protein.

[bootsboots in reply to RickHow]

I think I am confusing blood albumin levels with urine levels. That is why I am asking what is essentially then a non-question. I think. That you very much for taking the time to respond . I appreciate your knowledge.