Albumin
Albumin is the most important contributor to the maintenance of plasma colloid oncotic pressure; deficiency results in oedema.
It is an important non-specific carrier protein for molecules such as fatty acids, calcium, unconjugated bilirubin, thyroxine and urate. It may carry drugs that can displace these endogenous substances; for example, salicylates and sulphonamides may displace bilirubin.
Albumin may be separated from other plasma proteins by serum electrophoresis; albumin runs furthest towards the anode followed by alpha, beta and gamma globulins.
Reference
- Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Liver function tests: indication and interpretation. Feb 2022 [internet publication].
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