Does Albumin 20% Contain Potassium?
No, albumin 20% does not contain potassium. Albumin is a natural colloid derived from human plasma that consists solely of purified albumin protein without added electrolytes.
Composition of Albumin Solutions
Albumin solutions (both 5% and 20% concentrations) contain only human albumin protein suspended in saline or water, without potassium or other electrolytes added to the formulation 1, 2.
This distinguishes albumin from balanced crystalloid solutions, which typically contain 4-5 mmol/L of potassium in their composition 1.
Comparison with Crystalloid Solutions
The table below from European guidelines shows the electrolyte composition of common IV fluids 1:
Crystalloid solutions containing potassium:
- Ringer's lactate: 4 mmol/L potassium
- Plasmalyte: 5 mmol/L potassium
- Isofundine: 4 mmol/L potassium
Solutions without potassium:
- Normal saline (0.9% NaCl): 0 mmol/L potassium
- Albumin (all concentrations): 0 mmol/L potassium 1
Clinical Implications
Albumin can be safely administered to patients with hyperkalemia without concern for exacerbating elevated potassium levels 1.
When balanced crystalloids are used in patients with hyperkalemia, the small amount of potassium (4-5 mmol/L) they contain does not typically cause excess potassium accumulation, as demonstrated in renal transplant recipients and large randomized studies involving 30,000 patients 1.
The absence of potassium in albumin makes it particularly suitable for volume resuscitation in specific clinical scenarios where potassium administration must be avoided 2, 3.