Albumin – Na+ concentration

5% albumin is prepared from human venous plasma and the sodium content is 145 ± 15 mEq/L with the usual concentration being 154 mEq/L.   This is roughly the same sodium concentration as normal saline secondary to the albumin being mixed with normal saline.

25% albumin is provided in 50ml glass bottles and also contains 154 mEq/L of sodium.  Both 5% and 25% albumin can be provided as “low salt solutions” when mixed with D5W instead of NS.