Pentastarch is a starch-based colloid that does not contain albumin and is used in plasmapheresis. Here is some information that may help:

Pentastarch

• Lower MW analogue of hetastarch; fewer OH-substitutions
• MW 250-350,000 kdaltons
• 10% solution in 500 ml normal saline solution vials
• 90% is cleared within 24 hours from administration
• Better volume expender than Hetastarch and albumin
• Approved by the FDA for plasmapheresis
• Anticoagulation effects of pentastarch similar in type/magnitude to those of HES

And here's a link to an article abstract that will tell you a bit more:
Wiley InterScience

There are blood substitutes that can be used for plasmapheresis. One can choose from among synthetic colloids if one should avoid albumin. The synthetic colloids are hydroxyethylstarch (HES), dextran and gelatin. They are available in the market depending on where you are. All three are available in Europe. A think only hetastarch and pentastarch (both are HES) are available in the US. HES comes in different molecular weights and degree of substitution (i.e. glucose molecules in the starch substituted with hydroxyethyl group). In Europe and Asia, a new generation HES 130,000 Daltons/0.4, marketed as Voluven is available. All these synthetic colloids do not contain albumin.

Dr. Gapay

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Angelina A. Gapay, MD

Thank you both for your quick response. This will help considerably.