American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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What is the half-life of albumin in the human body?

10 days
12 days
18 days
24 days

The correct answer is: 18 days

The half-life of albumin in the human body is approximately 18 days. Albumin is a major plasma protein synthesized primarily by the liver and plays a critical role in maintaining oncotic pressure, transporting various substances, and serving as a reservoir for biological compounds. The serum half-life is determined by the protein's synthesis and degradation rates, influenced by physiological factors, including nutritional status, liver function, and the presence of certain diseases. Understanding the half-life of albumin is important for clinical assessments, such as evaluating liver function and the nutritional state of patients. Additionally, it informs the management of conditions that may involve altered albumin levels, such as cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome. This biochemical characteristic is key in therapeutic contexts where albumin replacement therapy may be considered.