Albumin (ALB) Colorimetric Assay Kit

Summary & Explanation

Albumin is synthesized in the liver from 585 amino acids at the rate of 9–12 grams per day with no reserve or storage. It is the protein present in highest concentration in the plasma. Albumin also exists in the extavascular (interstitial) space. In fact, the total extravascular albumin exceeds the total intravascular amount by 30%, but the concentration of albumin (plasma albumin concentation intravascular albumin mass/plasma volume) in the blood is much greater than its concentration is in the interstitial space. Albumin leaves the circulation at a rate of 4%–5% of total intravascular albümin per hour. This rate of movement is known as the transcapillary escape rate (TER), which measures systemic capillary efflux of albumin. Albumin is responsible for nearly 80% of the colloid osmotic pressure of the intravascular fluid, which maintains the appropriate fluid balance in the tissue. Albumin also buffers pH and is a negative acute-phase reactant protein.