A plasma protein solution given by infusion to restore blood volume or protein
Human albumin
A plasma protein solution given into a vein to restore blood volume or correct low albumin in specific situations.
What is Human albumin?
Human albumin is a solution of albumin, the main protein in blood plasma, given as an infusion into a vein. It is used in specific hospital situations to restore blood volume or to correct a low protein level, for example in shock, after severe burns, in some complications of liver disease, and around certain medical procedures. Because it draws and holds fluid in the bloodstream, the main risk is giving too much, which can overload the circulation and strain the heart and lungs, so it is given carefully with monitoring. It is made from human blood plasma, so the general precautions of blood products apply, although it is generally well tolerated.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Human albumin — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Human albumin is a sterile solution of albumin, the most plentiful protein in blood plasma, which helps keep fluid inside the blood vessels and carries various substances around the body. It is given as an infusion into a vein in selected hospital situations: to restore blood volume when someone is in shock or has lost a lot of fluid, after severe burns, in certain complications of liver disease, and to support some medical procedures. It is a specialist treatment, made from carefully screened and treated human blood plasma, and is given and monitored by hospital staff rather than used routinely.
How it works
Albumin's job in the blood is to hold fluid within the blood vessels by exerting a pulling pressure that keeps water from leaking out into the tissues. When albumin is low, or when blood volume has dropped, fluid balance is disturbed and the circulation can suffer. Giving human albumin tops up this protein and helps draw fluid back into and keep it within the bloodstream, supporting blood volume and pressure. Because it actively pulls fluid into the circulation, giving more than the person needs can overload the system, which is why it is matched to the situation and given with close monitoring of the heart, lungs and fluid balance.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturers.
A specialist plasma-derived solution used in the UK to restore blood volume or low protein levels in conditions such as shock, burns, liver disease and certain procedures.
Practical use
How to take Human albumin
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given as an infusion into a vein by hospital staff, at a rate and amount matched to your condition.
- Your heart, lungs and fluid balance are monitored during and after the infusion.
- Tell the team straight away if you feel breathless, your heart races, or you notice swelling, as these can be signs of fluid overload.
- Report any rash, itching or feeling unwell during the infusion, as allergic-type reactions can rarely occur.
- It is a hospital treatment for specific situations and is not something used at home.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Human albumin
Advantages
- Restores blood volume and corrects low protein in specific situations such as shock, burns and liver disease.
- Helps keep fluid within the circulation, supporting blood pressure when it is needed.
- A well-established treatment given as a measured infusion under hospital supervision.
Disadvantages
- Giving too much can overload the circulation and strain the heart and lungs.
- It is a plasma-derived blood product, so the general precautions of blood products apply.
- It must be given into a vein under hospital supervision, not used routinely or at home.
Practical use
Good to know
The most important safety point with human albumin is the risk of giving too much: because it draws and holds fluid in the bloodstream, an excess can overload the circulation and strain the heart and lungs, causing breathlessness and fluid build-up, so it is given at the rate and amount the situation needs and people are watched closely. It is made from human blood plasma, so the general precautions of blood products apply, even though the plasma is carefully screened and treated and the batch is recorded so it can be traced. It is a specialist hospital treatment used for particular reasons, not a general fluid for everyday use, and the team decides when it is the right choice. Allergic-type reactions are uncommon but possible, so it is given where they can be managed.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to albumin should not be given it.
- It is used with great care in people with heart failure or others at risk of fluid overload.
- It should only be given under hospital supervision, with the situation assessed by the team.
Monitoring
- Monitoring blood pressure, heart rate and breathing during and after the infusion.
- Watching for signs of fluid overload, especially in people with heart problems.
- Checking fluid balance and, where relevant, protein and blood test levels.
Side effects
- Fluid overload if too much is given, causing breathlessness, a racing heart or swelling.
- Allergic-type reactions such as rash, itching or, rarely, more serious reactions.
- Fever, chills or flushing in some people; as with any blood product, an infection risk is very low but not zero.
Key interactions
- It is given carefully alongside other fluids and medicines that affect fluid balance, coordinated by the team.
- Its use is matched to other treatments being given for shock, burns or liver disease.
- There are few routine medicine interactions, but a full medicines list helps the team manage your care safely.
Available as: A solution for infusion into a vein.
Answers
Human albumin: frequently asked questions
What is human albumin used for?
It is given by infusion to restore blood volume or correct a low protein level in specific situations such as shock, severe burns, some complications of liver disease, and certain procedures.
Is it made from blood?
Yes, it is made from human blood plasma, so the general precautions of blood products apply, although the plasma is carefully screened and treated.
What is the main risk?
Because it draws and holds fluid in the bloodstream, giving too much can overload the circulation and strain the heart and lungs, so it is given carefully with monitoring.
How is it given?
It is given as an infusion into a vein by hospital staff, at a rate and amount matched to your condition.
Is it used for everyday dehydration?
No. It is a specialist treatment for particular situations, not a general fluid for everyday use; the team decides when it is the right choice.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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