Albumin utilization in a university hospital.

The inappropriate use of high-priced agents such as human serum albumin significantly contributes to the rising cost of medical care. A utilization review was conducted at the University of Michigan Hospital in order to identify the appropriateness of use of this agent. Criteria were developed and prescribing was retrospectively evaluated for 81 patients. Of the 935 units administered to these patients, 692 (74 percent) were judged to be inappropriate. This inappropriate use accounted for a projected annual expenditure of nearly $281,000. Interventions have previously demonstrated success in improving prescribing.