Transfusion Medicine Services for Health Professionals

Albumin

Product Description

In Australia, albumin is prepared from pooled human plasma collected by the ARCBS from voluntary donors. CSL manufactures albumin into two products, Albumex®4 and Albumex®20.

Albumin in usually a clear to pale yellow colour however occasionally may have a green discolouration which is attributed to tiny amounts of biliverdin – a breakdown product of haemoglobin, which is green in colour and carried by albumin in human plasma. The green colour of Albumex® is quite normal and completely harmless.

Related Topics

Indications for Use

 Albumex® 4 Albumex® 20 
1 Shock associated with significant
hypoalbuminaemia (albumin < 25g/L		 Extremely low albumin in critically ill
2 Therapeutic plasmapheresis Burns
3 Cardiothoracic surgery Paracentesis of ascites
4  Haemodialysis

Precautions

 Albumex® 4 Albumex® 20
1 Circulatory overloadCirculatory overload
2 Sodium load
3Hypotension & rigors have been
associated with albumin		Hypotension & rigors have been
associated with albumin
4Contains trace aluminiumContains trace aluminium

Dosage

Refer to the product information sheet supplied with each bottle of albumin

Consent and Safety

Patient Identification

Always check the identity of the patient before commencing the infusion

Remember:

  • Check identity by ASKING the patient to state and spell his/her name AND check the wrist band
  • Check that the request form and sample match the patient and wrist band

Consent

Consent should be obtained and documented. Check your local institutional guidelines  

Always cover the following when gaining consent -

  • Explain

- Reason for this therapy
- Nature of the proposed transfusion therapy - what is involved?
- Benefits expected?
- Risks - common & rare but serious?
- Alternatives - including the risk of doing nothing?

  • Ask

- Is there anything else you would like to know?
- Is there anything you do not understand?

  • Provide

- Interpreter for non-English speaking patients
- Written information

Administration

Infusion Set-up

- Administer albumin through a standard IV infusion giving set. If the product was refrigerated allow it to reach room temperature or body temperature before administration.