Description

Intended Use

For the quantitative in vitro determination of Albumin in serum or plasma. This product is suitable for automated, semi-automated and manual use.

Clinical Significance

Albumin is the most abundant serum protein representing 55-65% of the total protein. It is synthesised in the liver and has a half-life of 2 to 3 weeks.

The main biological functions of albumin are to maintain the water balance in serum and plasma and to transport and store a wide variety of ligands e.g. fatty acids, calcium, bilirubin and hormones such as thyroxine. Albumin also provides an endogenous source of amino acids. Hypoalbuminaemia is associated with the following conditions: analbuminaemia; impaired albumin synthesis in the liver; liver disease; malnutrition or malabsorption; generalised shock; burns or dermatitis; kidney disease and intestinal disease. Hyperalbuminaemia has little diagnostic relevance except, perhaps in dehydration.