What condition can cause high serum albumin levels?

High serum albumin levels are most commonly associated with dehydration. When a person is dehydrated, the overall fluid volume in the body decreases, leading to a concentration of substances in the blood, including albumin. In this case, the total amount of albumin remains unchanged, but the reduced plasma volume causes an increase in its concentration, resulting in elevated serum albumin levels.

While liver disease, nephrosis, and malnutrition typically lead to lower serum albumin levels due to various mechanisms such as decreased production, increased loss through damaged kidneys, or inadequate protein intake, dehydration increases the serum concentration of albumin due to hemoconcentration. Understanding the physiology of albumin levels is crucial for interpreting laboratory results accurately and making informed clinical decisions.