The activity of labile coagulation factors and fibrinogen in thawed plasma during a 5day storage period in the hospital blood bank refrigerator.

Abstract

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is used to treat coagulation disorders. Even though the activity of labile coagulation factors gradually decreases once thawed, it can be used up to 24 h after thawing, if stored properly. In this study, the level of coagulation factor activity was evaluated in thawed plasma during a 5day storage period. This cross-sectional study was performed on 40 FFP units prepared in Yazd Blood Center. Samples were thawed in a waterbath for 20-30 min at 30-37°C and then stored in the hospital blood bank refrigerator. The level of fibrinogen concentration, as a stable factor and, coagulation factors V and VIII, as labile factors, were measured in the plasma immediately following the thawing process as well as 24 and 120h after the process. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software 20. The fibrinogen level remained stable for up to 24h after thawing; after 120h there was a 1.66% decrease with the mean level of 334.0 ± 53.3mg/dl. The mean activity of factors V and VIII levels decreased by 12.3%, and 26% respectively over 120 h after thawing when compared to that after 24h. A 120h after thawing Factor V activity was above 70% in 87.5% of thawed plasmas and its mean activity was 81.6 ± 11.8. Factor VIII activity was above 70% in only 35% of thawed plasmas with the mean activity of 64.4 ± 17.2. Thawed plasma can be used for up to 5 days in all therapeutic applications of FFP since it still has the essential hemostatic effects. However, in situations where higher levels of FVIII are needed, Thawed Plasma is not a suitable alternative. In such cases FFP, FVIII concentrate or cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor should be used.