Blood Plasma, Fresh Frozen

What it is and how it works

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is plasma separated from donated blood or collected by apheresis and frozen rapidly, preserving labile and stable coagulation factors, natural anticoagulants and other plasma proteins. Transfusion replaces deficient coagulation factors.

Indications

Replacement of multiple coagulation factor deficiencies with bleeding or before invasive procedures (e.g. liver disease, disseminated intravascular coagulation, massive transfusion); plasma exchange in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; replacement of single factor deficiencies when a specific concentrate is unavailable.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Dosing is individualised by the specialist according to coagulation tests, clinical response and transfusion protocol (commonly of the order of 12–15 mL/kg); ABO-compatible plasma should be used.

Contraindications

Not indicated for volume expansion alone, nutritional support, or correction of coagulopathy in the absence of bleeding or planned procedures; caution in IgA-deficient patients with anti-IgA antibodies.

Warnings and precautions

Risks include allergic and anaphylactic reactions, TRALI, TACO, haemolysis from ABO-incompatible plasma and transmission of infection. Thaw at 30–37 °C in a validated device and transfuse promptly; do not refreeze. Monitor coagulation parameters to assess response.

Storage and supply

Store frozen at –25 °C or colder; after thawing, transfuse as soon as possible (stored at 2–6 °C, within the time limit set by the blood service).

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.