Albumin, the most abundant protein in blood, is responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure, acting as a carrier for various hydrophobic molecules, contributing to the regulation of pH and acting as an antioxidant. A number of conditions cause hypoalbuminemia, including liver and kidney disease, burns, sepsis, malnutrition and inflammatory conditions such as celiac disease and IBD. Hyperalbuminemia can be caused by medications such as androgens, anabolic steroids and insulin and conditions like dehydration. Treatment is for the underlying condition, which when resolved allows for a normal level of albumin, although occasionally, intravenous albumin as a temporary measure. AkrivisBio’s BCG Albumin Assay is a simple assay, which is high-throughput compatible for monitoring serum albumin levels as low as 0.01 g/dl of albumin, with normal albumin levels at about 3.4 – 5.4 g/dl.
