[RUNurse]

If there is a concern about the use of albumin due to concent or religious beliefs, there is always the option of using Hespan. The additional benifit of using hespan is that is it very cheap to use. I read that 1 250CC bottle of albumin costs about $250 while a single bag of Hespan is only about $25. Here is a chance for nurses to advocate for our patients.

[squirlkeeperCCRN]

RUNurse,
good point, reguarding Hespan. Our sugeons like Hespan, our Pulmonologists like albumin with lasix chaser. No consent needed for either.

[TulsaTime]

Many of the CV surgeons i've worked with won't use Hespan as they feel it increases bleeding.

Originally Posted by squirlkeeperCCRN

RUNurse,
good point, reguarding Hespan. Our sugeons like Hespan, our Pulmonologists like albumin with lasix chaser. No consent needed for either.

[tifftaff81]

Interesting points you all have made. I have never even thought about it. We do not require blood form consent for albumin. I think I will keep an eye on this however with patients who refuse blood products. I think they have a right to know where it comes from in that instance.