Albumin is a common protein in humans, important for monitoring health and detecting disease. With a molecular weight of 65,000 and a density of 3.5-5.0 g/dL, it is produced in the liver and released into the blood [1] [2]. Albumin has variety of functions. It maintains homeostasis to balance the amount of blood in the blood vessels [2] [4]. Albumin has a globular structure so it can form a colloid when mixed with water. Albumin is used to transport drugs, lipids and hormones by colloid-osmotic pressure. Most of the colloid osmotic pressure comes from albumin [4]. Colloid-osmotic pressure helps bind both endogenous and exogenous substances. Drugs and other substances bind to albumin in the bloodstream so that drug-bound albumin can be transported to the liver to make drugs and substances less toxic to target tissues and water-soluble substances. A lower albumin count can cause a pathological state [4]. Albumin can also affect the platelet system in the body. It can control blood clotting by binding arachidonic acid. This decreases the production of thromboxane A2 and increases antithrombin activity and interrupts clotting [1]. Blood clotting is important because it maintains permeability through the vessels. Albumin is also an important factor in the metabolism and detoxification of drugs and substances in our body [4]. There are several reasons for the decreased functionality of albumin in the body. This usually happens when it is accompanied by an illness. The decrease in albumin levels results from reduced protein production by the body and therefore from a reduced amount of albumin [2]. More commonly, a low albumin level can result from a low protein intake. Protein malnutrition can result in album loss...... middle of paper....... Susan G.Hackner, BVSc.MRCVS.DACIM.DACVECC. PLASMAALBUMIN TRANSFUSION: INDICATIONS AND CONTROVERSIES. Cornell University Veterinary Specialists University2. Ashley. “Causes of Low Blood Albumin Levels.” Medical health tests on the causes of low albumin in the blood Comments. Np, 28 January 2010. Web. 10 November 2013.3. “Hypoalbuminemia (low albumin).” Management of side effects. The CARES Initiative by Scott Hamilton, n.d. Web. November 10, 2013.4. Hankins, Judy BSN,CRNI. The role of albumin in fluid and electrolyte balance. The Intravenous Nurses Society Volume 29(5), September/October 2006, p250-2655. Ruben Peralta, MD, FACS. “Treatment and Management of Hypoalbuminemia.” Treatment and management of hypoalbuminemia. Np, 30 July 2012. Web. 10 November 2013.6. “Common Medications and Medications for the Treatment of Hypoalbuminemia.” WebMD. WebMD and Web. November 10, 2013.7. Clinical pharmacology. November. 10.2013