Question of the Day

One use of colloids is to address hypoproteinemia. A natural colloid source such as albumin, plasma, or blood is best for this purpose.

However, synthetic colloids are also useful to help maintain osmotic pressure and prevent fluid loss from the circulation.

Synthetic colloids are solutions with high osmotic pressure due to the presence of high molecular weight compounds, usually starches or dextrans. Examples of synthetic colloids are Hetastarch^®, Hextend^®, Vet Starch^®, etc.