Frequently Asked Questions

The following are frequently asked questions on albumin therapy. If you cannot find the information you are looking for below, please submit your inquiry at Ask An Expert.

  1. What is the half-life of albumin?

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    The half-life of albumin is 15 to 20 days with a turnover of approximately 15 g per day.1

  2. Can albumin 25% be diluted to a 5% solution?

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    Yes, albumin 25% can be diluted with either normal saline or dextrose 5% to produce an albumin 5% solution. Sterile water for injection should not be used as a diluent due to the potential for hemolysis and renal failure.1-3 For more information on albumin dilution procedures, download our Dilution Sheet.

  3. Can albumin 25% be diluted with sterile water?

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    No, sterile water should not be used to dilute albumin. Normal saline or dextrose 5% are appropriate diluents for albumin 25%. When diluted with sterile water, the resulting albumin solution is severely hypotonic. Infusion of hypotonic albumin solutions prepared in this manner has been reported to lead to hemolysis in at least four patients, one of which was fatal. Hemolysis and renal insufficiency due to infusion of a hypotonic albumin solution were listed as contributory causes of death in this patient.3,4 For more information on albumin dilution procedures, download our Dilution Sheet.

  4. What is salt-poor albumin?

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    Salt-poor albumin is a historical term for albumin 25% that is no longer applicable but persists in the medical community. The term came about during World War II to distinguish normal albumin preparations from high-salt albumin solutions used by the military. The military products contained 300 mEq/L of sodium in order to maintain stability in warm environments. High-salt albumin preparations were abandoned soon after they were introduced upon the discovery of stabilizers that are still used today. To achieve acceptable tonicity, all albumin products manufactured after February 28, 1978 are required by law to contain physiologic amounts of sodium, 130 to 160 mEq/L.5

    The sodium content in FLEXBUMIN 25% [Albumin(Human)], 25% Solution and BUMINATE 5% and 25% [Albumin(Human)], 5% and 25% Solutions is 145 ± 15 mEq/L.1,2,6

  5. What is the risk of viral transmission with albumin therapy?

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    To date there have been no reported cases of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated with albumin therapy. Although the risk of viral transmission with albumin therapy cannot be completely eliminated, steps taken during the collection of plasma and processing minimize the risk. First, source plasma donations are only accepted from repeat donors who do not demonstrate high risk behavior. Repeat donors have been noted to have lower rates of viral infection than do those donating for the first time. Second, donated blood is tested for serologic viral markers. Third, plasma fractionators hold all donations for 60 days in order to detect seroconversion of HIV, HBV and HCV in recently infected donors. Finally, albumin undergoes heat pasteurization to inactivate viruses.1,7,8

  6. What is the recommended infusion rate for the administration of albumin?

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    The usual dosage of albumin is patient-specific and dependent upon many factors. Please refer to the dosage and administration information for FLEXBUMIN and BUMINATE. The infusion rate should be adjusted according to the response observed in the individual patient.1,2,6

    FLEXBUMIN and BUMINATE 25% must be administered intravenously at a rate not to exceed 1mL/min to patients with normal blood volume. More rapid administration might cause circulatory overload and pulmonary edema.1,2

FLEXBUMIN 25% [Albumin (Human)]

FLEXBUMIN 25% [Albumin (Human)], USP, 25% Solution is a sterile, nonpyrogenic preparation of albumin in a single dosage form for intravenous administration.  FLEXBUMIN 25% is indicated for hypovolemia, hypoalbuminemia due to general causes, burns, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and nephrosis, and for use during or prior to cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, and hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).

Please see Important Risk Information for FLEXBUMIN 25% and Full Prescribing Information.

BUMINATE 5% [Albumin (Human)], USP, 5% Solution

BUMINATE 5% [Albumin (Human)], USP, 5% Solution is indicated for Hypovolemia, Hypoalbuminemia due to general causes and burns, and use during or prior to cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

Please see Important Risk Information for BUMINATE 5% and Full Prescribing Information.

BUMINATE 25% [Albumin (Human)], USP, 25% Solution

Buminate 25% [Albumin (Human)], USP, 25% Solution is indicated for Hypovolemia, Hypoalbuminemia due to general causes, burns, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and nephrosis, for use during or prior to cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, and Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).

Please see Important Risk Information for BUMINATE 25% and Full Prescribing Information.

  1. FLEXBUMIN 25% [Albumin (Human)], 25% Solution Prescribing Information. Westlake Village, CA: Baxter Healthcare Corporation; September 2009.
  2. BUMINATE 25% [Albumin (Human)] Prescribing Information. Westlake Village, CA: Baxter Healthcare Corporation; September 2009.
  3. Pierce LR, Gaines A, Varricchio F, Epstein J, Trissel LA. Hemolysis and renal failure associated with use of sterile water for injection to dilute 25% human albumin solution. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 1998;55:1057-1070.
  4. Forte FJ, Caravone D, Coyne MJ. Albumin dilution as a cause of hemolysis during plasmapheresis. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 1995;52:207.
  5. Finlayson JS. The birth and demise of "salt-poor" albumin. Am J Hosp Pharm. 1978;35:898-900.
  6. BUMINATE 5% [Albumin (Human)] Prescribing Information. Westlake Village, CA: Baxter Healthcare Corporation; September 2009.
  7. Tabor E. The epidemiology of virus transmission by plasma derivatives: clinical studies verifying the lack of transmission of hepatitis B and C viruses and HIV type 1. Transfusion. 1999;39:1160-1168.
  8. Colgan K, Moody ML, Witte K. Responsible use of blood products in response to supply and demand. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2000;57:2094-2098.

FLEXBUMIN
[Albumin (Human)]

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The first and only formulation of human albumin available in a flexible container.
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SAFETY PROFILE

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Albumin has been used as a therapeutic agent for over 50 years.
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