Wednesday's Word

[DonnaBoll]

albumin - This is a protein made by the liver, the level of which is measured as a part of your liver function tests. The albumin plays 2 important parts:

1. It carries molecules in the blood that are not water soluable. When bound to albumin, the molecule becomes water soluble.

2. It helps keep fluid in its correct place in the body. When there is too much fluid circulating in the body, fluid leaves circulation and enters into our tissues causing edema (swelling). This would then decrease the blood volume we have, causing blood pressure falls and can cause damage.