Albumin

What Does This Test Check?

Albumin is the most abundant protein in your blood, made by the liver. It keeps fluid from leaking out of your vessels and carries hormones, vitamins and drugs around the body.

Lola Health lists this as an add-on biomarker at £12, posted as a home sample with results in one to four working days. It cannot be bought on its own: you pick it while ordering one of Lola's main blood tests, so it suits someone who already knows which extra marker they want.

A low level may indicate liver or kidney problems, inflammation or malnutrition, while a high one usually points to dehydration rather than anything sinister. Whatever the reading, an out-of-range result needs a doctor who can see the whole picture, so go through it with your GP before acting on it.