Question on lab range

[Jason2233]

So I have received a lab work but I do have question on the range. So my albumin was normal 4.9 (4.0-5.0). So even though it is in normal range but it went up from 4.4 (previous lab) to 4.9 ( current lab). Is that a sign of concern that it went up and hovering around closer to 5 and eventually be out of range? I am trying to understand the range. Any help would be appreciated.

[Hidden]

Different labs may have a different range so if your lab tests were performed by the same lab then you'll have a consistent report. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. I have three doctors on my Care Team that run labs and they all use different labs. The best you can do when they test is to take an average and then discuss it with the doctors.

To better understand the labs I'd suggest you go to labtestsonline.org and then click on TESTS and enter Albumin. You'll get a lot of information on why it's tested and what the results may mean. Please, just remember that there can be specific reasons why a number may go up or down and your physician is the one to make the determination of additional tests are warranted or even diagnostic tests. Use the site to help you develop questions to ask.

Best of luck.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Agreed!

[Jason2233]

Thank you for your response. What I am trying to understand is if the number in the upper limit range is closer to being out of the range. Like 0.2 more points and I will be out of range. Is that a cause of concern as oppose to when it was in the lower limit.

[Hidden in reply to Jason2233]

High albumin within the reference range could mean that you may be dehydrated or eating a rich protein meal in the day or two prior to the blood draw. Your doctor should ask you these questions and guide you accordingly before your next lab. Lab Tests Online does explain all this and if you have questions regarding the information ask your physician since they know you best.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

Hi Jason,

I agree with Mr. _ Kidney that lab results can vary between practices and ranges as well. I have 3 doctors in three different practices using different labs and see a variance in the results.

We have discussed that hydration, time of day given, lab or technician spinning the specimen can influence the results.

Take a look at the lab sheet which you have printed from your patient portal or was mailed to you. Either next to your results or above them should be the ranges specified for that particular lab. If not, give the office a call and ask about it.

I agree with Mr._ Kidney that the best bet is to check off areas of concern and have a call/ virtual or appointment with your ordering doctor and discuss your results. A rise or drop may or may not be a concern. It's their job to assess the results and suggest a plan to you.

My nephrologist is with one practice and PCP another. Recently, I did labs for each 2 weeks apart. My GFR dropped in 2 weeks on my PCP's report. Her answer was hydration. She and my nephrologist communicate after every appointment, so she saw the prior results.

Best bet is to ask.

Until your doctor tells you to be concerned; don't.

Please reach back and let us know what your doctor days.

Bet

[horsie63 in reply to Bet117]

My kidney doc and PCP are also in different offices/different cities even so I do my labs at the same place as my PCP, same time and then email the results to my kidney doc and when I have the appt a week later we discuss the results and any questions I have. When I have an appt with a specialist I later email my PCP and let her know what's going on so even with not all being with the same hospital system she knows what I'm doing. Also were possible I link my PCP portal to the others but not all can link.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to horsie63]

Hi Horsie,

My PCP and Nephrologist are also in two different cities and Practice Groups as are yours so the results may vary depending upon the spin, lab ranges etc. Each prefers labs from their own group/ lab as you can imagine.

They are very good about communicating with each other, sending visit summaries and labs via fax so they are both on the same page and results become a part of my records in both hospitals.

I also print out a copy of my latest labs and bring them with me to appointments so that each doctor can look them over and have them scanned into my electronic chart if they wish.

Labs from specific doctors. ( ex: my PCP ) are reviewed at her appointment.

I don't know how to link portals. If you could send me directions, that would be wonderful.

Thanks..

Bet

[horsie63 in reply to Bet117]

I'm not sure what portal you use...I am on MyChart via St. Francis in Tulsa, OK. If you have the ability there should be a section that says "Link My Accounts" under Sharing. There are several hospitals I can link to but not my nephrologist. I use the same lab every time at my PCP, then take my results and email them to the neph. I also print them all out and take them with me.

[Marvin8]

Hi Jason,

Assuming we're talking about serum albumin and not urinary microalbumin, the high end of the reference range is nothing to be concerned about. As Mr. Kidney said above, it could merely be dehydration or eating high levels of protein. In later stages of kidney disease, kidney patients are more worried about LOW levels of protein due to protein leakage into the urine. Again, you're within the reference range. Simply keep an eye out the next time you have bloodwork and ask your doc if he/she is concerned. I bet not.