Description
Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein in human. It accounts for about 60% of the total serum protein. Albumin plays important physiological roles, including maintenance of colloid osmotic pressure, binding of key substances such as long-chain fatty acids, bile acids, bilirubin, haematin, calcium, magnesium. It has anti-oxidant and anticoagulant effects, and also acts as a carrier for nutritional factors and drugs, as an effective plasma pH buffer. Serum albumin is a reliable prognostic indicator for morbidity and mortality, liver disease, nephritic syndrome, malnutrition and protein-losing enteropathies. High levels are associated with dehydration