Albumin
The Test Sample
What is being tested?
Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood plasma. It keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels; nourishes tissues; and carries hormones, vitamins, drugs, and ions like calcium throughout the body. Albumin is made in the liver and its level in the blood is sensitive to liver damage. The level of albumin in the blood drops when the liver is damaged or with a type of kidney disease called 'nephrotic syndrome if a person experiences severe inflammation in the body, or with shock. The albumin concentration in the blood increases when a person is dehydrated.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is taken by a needle from a vein.
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
If you don't know what a word or a medical term means, try the
Mondofacto Online Medical Dictionary
.
