There will be limited stock of Human Albumin from July 2024 until at least December 2024. Resolution date for a resumption of full market coverage is still to be confirmed.

The supply disruption is caused by a combination of increased global demand for Human Albumin resulting in one supplier being unable to bring in sufficient stock and a sustained overall increase in demand for the product.

Volumes of Human Albumin 20% remain available but cannot support an uplift to meet the additional demand from the 4.5% and 5% preparations.

Human Albumin is licensed for restoration and maintenance of circulating blood volume where volume deficiency has been demonstrated, and use of a colloid is appropriate. However, in practice it is used extensively for:

• Plasma expansion after paracentesis
• Plasma exchange in neuroinflammatory crises
• Treatment of hepatorenal failure in association with terlipressin

Remaining volumes of Human Albumin should be prioritised for patients that clinical leads have indicated are critical.

This National Patient Safety Alert provides further background, clinical information and actions for providers.