From the Research
Elevated albumin levels, or hyperalbuminemia, are primarily caused by dehydration when the body's fluid volume decreases while albumin concentration remains constant, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.
Causes of Elevated Albumin
- Dehydration due to inadequate fluid intake, excessive fluid loss through vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, or diuretic use
- Certain medications like corticosteroids can also increase albumin production
- Laboratory errors, including sample hemolysis, improper sample handling, or analytical issues with testing equipment
- Prolonged tourniquet application during blood collection can cause hemoconcentration, artificially increasing albumin levels
False Elevations of Albumin
- Laboratory errors, including sample hemolysis, improper sample handling, or analytical issues with testing equipment
- Prolonged tourniquet application during blood collection can cause hemoconcentration, artificially increasing albumin levels
- It's essential to note that while low albumin (hypoalbuminemia) is clinically significant and common in various diseases, true hyperalbuminemia is relatively rare and usually not pathological, as indicated by studies such as 2 and 3
Clinical Approach
When elevated albumin is detected, clinicians should first rule out dehydration by assessing other clinical parameters and possibly repeating the test after ensuring proper hydration. If albumin remains elevated without explanation, investigating potential laboratory errors or interferences may be warranted before pursuing further diagnostic workup. The relationship between albumin levels and inflammation has been explored in studies such as 4 and 1, highlighting the complex interplay between these factors in various disease states.