Human Albumin (ALB)

Human albumin is the most abundant protein in human plasma, synthesized primarily by the liver and accounting for approximately 50% of total plasma protein content (UniProt P02768). Its primary biological role is the maintenance of colloid osmotic pressure, which is essential for regulating the distribution of water between the intravascular and interstitial compartments (StatPearls, 2023). In clinical settings, albumin is utilized as a volume expander to treat conditions such as hypovolemia, hemorrhagic shock, and severe burns where fluid resuscitation is required. Beyond its hemodynamic functions, albumin acts as a versatile carrier protein, binding and transporting hormones, fatty acids, bile salts, and a wide array of therapeutic drugs (PubChem). The administration of exogenous albumin helps restore oncotic pressure in patients with hypoalbuminemia or significant fluid loss, thereby stabilizing blood pressure and reducing edema. It also possesses antioxidant properties and acts as a pH buffer within the blood. However, its use must be carefully monitored to avoid complications like hypervolemia or pulmonary edema, particularly in patients with underlying cardiac or renal dysfunction. Therapeutic albumin is typically derived from pooled human plasma and is processed to ensure viral safety.

Other names

Serum albuminHSAAlbumin (human)ALB

Human albumin increases the oncotic pressure of the plasma, drawing fluid from the interstitial space into the blood vessels to expand intravascular volume (StatPearls, 2023). It also functions as a transport protein, binding various endogenous and exogenous substances to regulate their free concentration in the blood (UniProt P02768).