The quality of fresh-frozen plasma produced from whole blood stored at 4°C overnight

A Comparative Evaluation of the Quality of Cryoprecipitate Prepared from 350 ml Versus 450 ml of Whole Blood and Different Methods of Thawing of Plasma: A Prospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Cryoprecipitate is used in conditions like hypofibrinogenemia, massive transfusion with bleeding, and factor XIII deficiency. The current guidelines support the preparation of cryoprecipitate from 450ml whole blood. But 350 ml of whole blood collection is expected from low body weight (< 55 kg) donors. However, no standardized criteria exist for preparing cryoprecipitate from 350 ml of whole blood.

AIM

of the study : This study compared the fibrinogen and factor VIII levels in cryoprecipitate units prepared from 350ml versus 450ml whole blood collection. The study also compared the fibrinogen and factor VIII levels prepared by circulating water bath versus blood bank refrigerator (BBR) thawing method.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 128 blood bags were equally divided into groups A and B for 450 and 350ml whole blood collection further subdivided into subgroups based on thawing methods. The fibrinogen and factor VIII yield were analyzed in the cryoprecipitates prepared from both groups.

RESULTS

The factor VIII levels were significantly higher in cryoprecipitate made from 450ml whole blood collection (P= 0.02). The BBR method of plasma thawing resulted in better fibrinogen recovery than the cryo bath method. Whereas vice versa in the case of factor VIII recovery. A weak but significant positive correlation was noted in factor VIII levels with the plasma volume.

CONCLUSION

Over 75% of the cryoprecipitates prepared from 350 ml whole blood passed the fibrinogen and factor VIII quality control criteria. So, 350ml whole blood collection from low body weight (<55 kg) donors could be utilized to prepare cryoprcipitates. However, future clinical studies should focus on the cryoprecipitate's clinical efficacy prepared from 350 ml of whole blood.

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

BACKGROUND

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 5 day storage period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

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 120 h after the process. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software 20.

RESULTS

The fibrinogen level remained stable for up to 24 h after thawing; after 120 h there was a 1.66% decrease with the mean level of 334.0 ± 53.3 mg/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 24 h. A 120 h 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.

CONCLUSION

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.

Coagulation function of never frozen liquid plasma stored for 40 days

BACKGROUND

Never frozen liquid plasma (LP) has limited shelf life versus fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or plasma frozen within 24 h (PF24). Previous studies showed decreasing factor activities after Day (D)14 in thawed FFP but no differences between LP and FFP until D10. This study examined LP function through D40.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

FFP and PF24 were stored at -20°C until assaying. LP was assayed on D5 then stored (4°C) for testing through D40. A clinical coagulation analyzer measured Factor (F)V, FVIII, fibrinogen, prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Thromboelastography (TEG) and thrombogram measured functional coagulation. Ristocetin cofactor assay quantified von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity. Residual platelets were counted.

RESULTS

FV/FVIII showed diminished activity over time in LP, while PT and aPTT both increased over time. LP vWF declined significantly by D7. Fibrinogen remained high through D40. Thrombin lagtime was delayed in LP but consistent to D40, while peak thrombin was significantly lower in LP but did not significantly decline over time. TEG R-time and angle remained constant. LP and PF24 (with residual platelets) had initially higher TEG maximum amplitudes (MA), but by D14 LP was similar to FFP.

CONCLUSION

Despite significant declines in some factors in D40 LP, fibrinogen concentration and TEG MA were stable suggesting stored LP provides fibrinogen similarly to frozen plasmas even at D40. LP is easier to store and prepare for prehospital transfusion, important benefits when the alternative is crystalloid.

Impact of specific preclinical variables on coagulation biomarkers in cancer-associated thrombosis

Coagulation biomarkers are being actively studied for their diagnostic and prognostic value in patients with venous thromboembolism and cancer, as well as in the study of pathogenic mechanisms between cancer and thrombosis. For the results of such studies to be accurate and reproducible, attention must be paid to minimize sources of error in all phases of testing. The pre-analytical phase of laboratory testing is known to be fraught with the majority of errors. Coagulation testing is particularly susceptible to conditions during collection, processing, transport and storage of specimens which can lead to clinically significant errors in results. In addition, changes in pre-analytical conditions can impact different biomarkers differently. Therefore, research studies investigating coagulation biomarkers must carefully standardize not just the analytical phase, but also the pre-analytical phase of testing to ensure accuracy and reliability. We briefly review the impact of pre-analytical conditions on coagulation testing in general, and on specific biomarkers in cancer and thrombosis. In addition, we provide recommendations to reduce pre-analytical errors by developing and sharing standard operating procedures that specifically target standardization of methodologies for collecting specimens and measuring current and emerging coagulation biomarkers in cancer studies.

10 Years of Experience with the First Thawed Plasma Bank in Germany

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Plasma is stored at –30°C, which requires thawing before transfusion, causing a time delay between ordering and issuing of at least 30 min. In case of bleeding emergencies, guidelines strongly recommend a 2:1 transfusion ratio of RBCs and plasma. In addition, each minute delay in issuing of blood products in bleeding emergencies increases the mortality risk. To provide plasma in time in bleeding emergencies, a thawed plasma bank was introduced in 2011. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> The thawed plasma bank of University Medicine Greifswald has provided 18,924 thawed stored plasma units between 2011 and 2020. The workflow in the laboratory as well as in the emergency room, the operating room, and the intensive care unit have been optimized by thawed stored plasma. In case of emergencies, the stress factor for the transfusion medicine laboratory staff has been reduced substantially. The thawed plasma bank allows to transfuse patients with massive transfusion demand at a 2:1 ratio of RBCs and plasma according to guidelines. To reduce storage time, we issue all plasma requests from the thawed plasma bank except for pediatric patients. This results in a median storage time in the thawed plasma bank of 24 h. The “just in time” availability of plasma within the entire hospital based on the thawed plasma bank has reduced precautionary ordering of plasma, and hereby the unnecessary use of plasma. After introduction of the thawed plasma bank, plasma usage decreased substantially by 24% within the first year and by 60% compared to 2019/2020. However, as the overall approach to using blood products has changed over the last 10 years due to the patient blood management initiative, quantification of the effects of the thawed plasma bank in reduction of plasma transfusion is difficult. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> (1) A thawed plasma bank for the routine supply of blood products in a large hospital is feasible in Germany. (2) The thawed plasma bank allows to supply RBCs and plasma in a 2:1 ratio in bleeding emergencies. (3) The beneficial logistical effects of the thawed plasma bank are optimal if all plasma requests are supplied from the thawed plasma bank. This results in a median storage time of 24 h for thawed plasma.

Optimizing management of replacement fluids for therapeutic plasma exchange: Use of an automated mathematical model to predict post-procedure fibrinogen and antithrombin levels in high-risk patients

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) utilizes an extracorporeal circuit to remove pathologic proteins causing serious illness. When processing a patient's entire blood volume through an extracorporeal circuit, proteins responsible for maintaining hemostatic system homeostasis can reach critically low levels if replacement fluid types and volumes are not carefully titrated, which may increase complications.

METHODS

The charts from 27 patients undergoing 46 TPE procedures were reviewed to evaluate the accuracy of our predictive mathematical model, utilizing the following patient information: weight, hematocrit, pre- and post-TPE factor levels (fibrinogen, n = 46, and antithrombin, n = 23), process volume and volumes of fluids (eg, plasma, albumin, and normal saline) administered during TPE and adverse events during and after TPE.

RESULTS

Altogether, 25% of patients experienced minor adverse events that resolved spontaneously or with management. There were no bleeding or thrombotic complications. The mean difference between predicted and measured post-TPE fibrinogen concentrations was -0.29 mg/dL (SD ±23.0, range -59 to 37), while percent difference between measured and predicted fibrinogen concentration was 0.94% (SD ±10.8, range of -22 to 19). The mean difference between predicted and measured post-TPE antithrombin concentrations were 0.89% activity (SD ±10.0, range -23 to 14), while mean percent difference between predicted and measured antithrombin concentrations was 3.87% (SD ±14.5, range -25 to 38).

CONCLUSIONS

Our model reliably predicts post-TPE fibrinogen and antithrombin concentrations, and may help optimize patient management and attenuate complications.

Evaluation of Coagulation Factors Activity in Different Types of Plasma Preparations

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is a crucial substitute therapy in management of bleeding; producing plasma from whole blood stored within 24 h offers operational flexibility and leukocyte filtration significantly reduce transfusion reactions, it is necessary to consider the impact of these plasma preparations on clotting factors activity. Total of 75 plasma samples collected from 25 blood donors distributed as 3 groups; FFP (Group A), leukocyte filtrated FFP (Group B) and plasma frozen within 24 h i.e. PF24 (Group C), for all samples prothrombin time (PT), INR, (APTT), Factors V, VII, VIII, IX levels and Fibrinogen were done, also comparing coagulation factors levels in FFP in different blood groups. There were significant difference between three groups in (PT), INR and (APTT): (P = 0.00). Concerning Factor VII: significant difference (P = 0.03) between the three groups, FFP had a significantly higher level of FVII compared to filtrated FFP (98.92 vs. 82.52%; P = 0.02), while no significant difference between FFP and PF24 was detected (P = 0.76). Factor VIII: had significant difference (P = 0.00) between the three groups, FFP and Filtrated FFP had no significant difference regarding level of FVIII (P = 0.72), but FFP had significantly higher level of FVIII compared to PF24 (P < 0.05). Concerning Fibrinogen level: no significant difference between FFP and filtrated FFP (P = 0.99), while FFP had a higher level versus PF24 (P < 0.05). On the Contrary, no significant difference between three groups in Factor V: (P = 0.22) and Factor IX: (P = 0.12). ABO blood group effect on studied parameters in FFP: FVIII was statistically higher in Non-O blood group (P = 0.03), other factors had no statistical differences (P > 0.05). The leukocyte filtration of FFP did not affect the majority of coagulation factors activities, although FVII level was reduced, it stills enough for surgical hemostasis. The PF24 resulted in reduced FVIII and fibrinogen levels but no significant changes in FV, FVII or FIX, thus, can be used for FFP indications except that specifically requiring replacement of FVIII and/or fibrinogen as Hemophilia or DIC. No significant difference in coagulation factors of FFP between O and non-O blood groups except FVIII that was reduced in O blood group.

Consensus Report by the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators and Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium Joint Working Committees on Supportive Care Guidelines for Management of Veno-Occlusive Disease in Children and Adolescents: Part 2-Focus on Ascites, Fluid and Electrolytes, Renal, and Transfusion Issues

Even though hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a potentially fatal complication of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), there is paucity of research on the management of associated multiorgan dysfunction. To help provide standardized care for the management of these patients, the HCT Subgroup of the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators and the Supportive Care Committee of the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium, collaborated to develop evidence-based consensus guidelines. After conducting an extensive literature search, in part 2 of this series we discuss the management of fluids and electrolytes, renal dysfunction; ascites, pleural effusion, and transfusion and coagulopathy issues in patients with VOD. We consider the available evidence using the GRADE criteria.

Coagulopathy of Trauma

Coagulopathy is common after injury and develops independently from iatrogenic, hypothermic, and dilutional causes. Despite considerable research on the topic over the past decade, trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) continues to portend poor outcomes, including decreased survival. We review the current evidence regarding the diagnosis and mechanisms underlying trauma induced coagulopathy and summarize the debates regarding optimal management strategy including product resuscitation, potential pharmacologic adjuncts, and targeted approaches to hemostasis. Throughout, we will identify areas of continued investigation and controversy in the understanding and management of TIC.

Diagnostic laboratory for bleeding disorders ensures efficient management of haemorrhagic disorders

Haemorrhagic disorders like Postpartum haemorrhage and Dengue haemorrhagic fever are life threatening and requires an active and efficient transfusion service that could provide the most appropriate blood product which could be effective in managing them. This would essentially require prompt identification of the coagulopathy so that the best available product can be given to the bleeding patient to correct the identified haemostatic defect which will help control the bleeding. This would only be possible if the transfusion service has a laboratory to correctly detect the haemostatic defect and that too with an accuracy and precision which is ensured by a good laboratory quality assurance practices. These same processes are necessary for the transfusion services to ensure the quality of the blood products manufactured by them and that it contains adequate amounts of haemostasis factors which will be good to be effective in the management of haemorrhagic disorders. These issues are discussed in detail individually in the management of postpartum haemorrhage and Dengue haemorrhagic fever including when these can help in the use of rFVIIa in Dengue haemorrhagic fever. The requirements to ensure good-quality blood products are made available for the management of these disorders and the same have also been described.

Thawed and liquid plasma--what do we know?

There is increasing interest in the use of liquid or frozen plasma thawed and stored for extended periods (>24 h) to reduce wastage and to improve rapid availability of plasma in massive transfusion protocols advocating the early use of plasma in trauma by some centres. There is now a body of studies that have assessed individual coagulation factors during storage of thawed plasma. These show that factor VIII (FVIII) is the worst affected factor and that its activity is mainly lost during the first 24 h following thawing. However, for most factors studied, there is a continual decline during further storage. The few studies that have assessed thrombin generation in thawed plasma have shown variable results. Extended storage of plasma is associated with an increase in levels of DEHP in the component and could theoretically increase the risk of bacterial contamination, although the latter does not appear to have been an issue in countries that have adopted the use of thawed plasma. There are no clinical studies relating to the efficacy of extended-thawed plasma, and therefore, the potential reduction in its efficacy must be balanced with the clinical need for the component.

Comparative analysis of activity of coagulation Factors V and VIII and level of fibrinogen in fresh frozen plasma and frozen plasma

Background:

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the activity of factor V, VIII and fibrinogen level in fresh frozen plasma and frozen plasma frozen after 8 hrs but within 24 hours after phlebotomy.

Materials and Methods:

Fresh frozen plasma separated from whole blood within 8 hours was compared with plasma separated within 24 hours after phlebotomy in terms of coagulation factors V and VIII and level of fibrinogen by standard methods using semi automated coagulometer sysmex CA50.

Results:

Longer storage of whole blood before processing resulted in significant decrease (18.4%) in activity of factor VIII but the fall in activity of factor V (6.52%) or level of fibrinogen (1.81%) was not significant.

Discussion:

These data suggest that there is good retention of coagulation factors in both types of plasma. Although there is significant fall in activity of factor VIII, but it is an acute phase reactant and raised in most of the diseases so it is suggested that frozen plasma would be an acceptable product for most patients requiring fresh frozen plasma.

Role of prothrombin complex concentrate in perioperative coagulation therapy

Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is a term to describe pharmacological products that contain lyophilized, human plasma-derived vitamin K-dependent factors (F), FII, FVII, FIX, FX, and various amounts of proteins C and S. PCCs can be rapidly reconstituted in a small volume (20 ml for about 500 international units (IU)) at bedside and administered regardless of the patient's blood type. PCCs are categorized as 4-factor PCC if they contain therapeutic amounts of FVII, and 3-factor PCC when FVII content is low. In addition, activated PCC which contains activated FVII and FX with prothrombin is available for factor VIII bypassing therapy in hemophilia patients with inhibitors. Currently, 4-factor PCC is approved for the management of bleeding in patients taking warfarin, but there has been increasing use of various PCCs in the treatment of acquired perioperative coagulopathy unrelated to warfarin therapy and in the management of bleeding due to novel oral anticoagulants. There is also an ongoing controversy about plasma transfusion and its potential hazards including transfusion-related lung injury (TRALI). Early fixed ratio plasma transfusion has been implemented in many trauma centers in the USA, whereas fibrinogen concentrate and PCC are preferred over plasma transfusion in some European centers. In this review, the rationales for including PCCs in the perioperative hemostatic management will be discussed in conjunction with plasma transfusion.

Coagulation factor and hemostatic protein content of canine plasma after storage of whole blood at ambient temperature

Background

Standard practice in canine blood banking is to produce fresh frozen plasma (FFP) by separating and freezing plasma produced from blood within 8 hours of collection. Within canine blood donation programs, this can limit the number of units collected.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim was to compare the coagulation factor and hemostatic protein content (CF&HPC) of plasma produced from blood stored at ambient temperature for 8, 12, and 24 hours. Another aim was to compare the CF&HPC between Greyhound types and other breeds.

Animals

None.

Methods

In vitro study. A convenience sample of 58 units of canine blood from a blood donor pool was processed to prepare and freeze plasma 8, 12, or 24 hours following collection.

Results

Regardless of time of processing, the units contained therapeutic CF&HPC. Frozen plasma prepared after 24 hours had significantly higher factor VIII (P = .014) and factor X (P = .03) when compared with the frozen plasma prepared at 8 hours. Factor X (P < .01), fibrinogen (P < .01), and vWF (P = .04) were significantly lower in plasma collected from Greyhound types than in plasma collected from other breeds.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Storing whole blood for up to 24 hours is a suitable method for producing FFP. Lower values for some coagulation factors and hemostatic proteins in plasma produced from Greyhound types would not preclude these dogs as FFP donors.

A comparison study of the blood component quality of whole blood held overnight at 4°c or room temperature

Background. The use of plasma frozen within 24 hrs is likely to increase. Whole blood (WB) and buffy coats (BCs) can be held for a few hrs or overnight before processing. Methods. Twenty-four bags of WB for plasma and 12 bags for platelet (PLT) concentrates were collected. The fresh frozen plasma (FFP) was prepared within 6 hrs. I-FP24 and II-FP24 samples were prepared either from leukodepleted WB that was held overnight or from WB that was held overnight before leukodepletion. The PLT concentrates (PCs) were prepared from BCs within 6 hrs (PC1) and within 18 to 24 hrs (PC2). The typical coagulation factors and some biochemical parameters were determined. Results. Compared to the FFP samples, the levels of FVII and FVIII in the I-FP24 and II-FP24 samples decreased significantly. The pH, Na⁺, LDH, and FHb levels differed significantly between II-FP24 and FFP. Compared to PC1, PC2 exhibited lower pH, pO₂, and Na⁺ levels, a higher PLT count, and increased pCO₂, K⁺, Lac, and CD62P expression levels. Conclusion. FP24 is best prepared from WB that was stored overnight at 4°C and then leukodepleted and separated within 24 hrs. PCs are best produced from BCs derived from WB that was held overnight at room temperature.

Thawed solvent/detergent-treated plasma: too precious to be wasted after 6 hours?

BACKGROUND

Coagulopathy associated with trauma and bleeding requires early administration of haemostatic agents. Solvent/detergent-treated plasma (S/D-plasma) requires thawing and its availability for clinical use is, therefore, delayed. The long-term stability of clotting factors in thawed S/D-plasma has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate stability of clotting factors and inhibitors in thawed S/D-plasma stored at 4 °C for 6 days.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clotting factor levels and bacterial contamination were investigated using 20 units of S/D-plasma. Fibrinogen, factor (F) II, FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI, FXII, FXIII, antithrombin, von Willebrand antigen (VWF-Ag), plasmin inhibitor, protein C and free protein S were analysed over time.

RESULTS

After 6 days of storage the results were as follows: fibrinogen 270 mg/dL (-10 mg/dL, p=0.0204), FII 75% (-5%, p<0.0001), FV 88% (-14%, p<0.0001), FVII 81% (-24%, p<0.0001), FVIII 70% (-16%, p<0.0001), FIX 96% (-8, p<0.0001), FX 92% (-1%, p<0.0001), FXI 119% (-4%, p=0.3666), FXII 94% (-2%, p=0.3602), FXIII 89% (-1%, p 0.0019), free protein S 76% (-4%, p<0.0001), protein C 96% (+1%, p=0.0371), antithrombin 92% (-3%, p<0.0001), plasmin inhibitor 29% (-4%, p<0.0299), VWF-Ag 137% (+2%, p=0.2205). FVII and FVIII showed a critical drop of more than 20% or approached the lower quality assurance threshold after storage for more than 24 hours. No S/D-plasma showed bacterial contamination.

CONCLUSION

All clotting factors in thawed S/D plasma remained stable for up to 24 hours when stored at 4 °C. Storage of thawed S/D plasma may improve the availability of this product in emergency situations.

Storage of thawed plasma for a liquid plasma bank: impact of temperature and methylene blue pathogen inactivation

BACKGROUND

Rapid transfusion of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) is desired for treating coagulopathies, but thawing and issuing of FFP takes more than 40 minutes. Liquid storage of plasma is a potential solution but uncertainties exist regarding clotting factor stability. We assessed different storage conditions of thawed FFP and plasma treated by methylene blue plus light (MB/light) for pathogen inactivation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Fifty thawed apheresis plasma samples (approx. 750 mL) were divided into three subunits and either stored for 7 days at 4°C, at room temperature (RT), and at 4°C after MB/light treatment. Clotting factor activities (Factor [F] II, FV, FVII through FXIII, fibrinogen, antithrombin, von Willebrand factor antigen, Protein C and S) were assessed after thawing and on Days 3, 5, and 7. Changes were classified as "minor" (activities within the reference range) and "major" (activities outside the reference range).

RESULTS

FFP storage at 4°C revealed major changes for FVIII (median [range], 56% [33%-114%]) and Protein S (51% [20%-88%]). Changes were more pronounced when plasma was stored at RT (FVIII, 59% [37%-123%]; FVII, 69% [42%-125%]; Protein S, 20% [10%-35%]). MB/light treatment of thawed FFP resulted in minor changes. However, further storage for 7 days at 4°C revealed major decreases for FVIII (47% [12%-91%]) and Protein S (49% [18%-95%]) and increases for FVII (150% [48%-285%]) and FX (126% [62%-206%]).

CONCLUSION

Storage of liquid plasma at 4°C for 7 days is feasible for FFP as is MB/light treatment of thawed plasma. In contrast, storage of thawed plasma for 7 days at RT or after MB/light treatment at 4°C affects clotting factor stability substantially and is not recommended.

A comparative study of the effects of temperature, time and factor VIII assay type on factor VIII activity in cryoprecipitate in Iran

BACKGROUND

In Iran, cryoprecipitate is an important plasma product to provide coagulation factors such as factor VIII (FVIII) in patients with factor VIII deficiency. FVIII is one of the labile coagulation factors and as such is also used as a quality marker of fresh-frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate. It is, therefore, important to optimise plasma production in order to prevent a reduction of FVIII activity. In this study we assessed the effect of temperature, time and FVIII assay type on FVIII activity in cryoprecipitate produced in Iran.

METHODS

Ninety-six whole blood units were kept at two different temperatures (48 units kept at 1-6 °C and 48 kept at 20-24 °C) for periods of 4, 6, 8 or 10 hours before plasma freezing. FVIII activity was then measured by both chromogenic and one-stage clotting assays.

RESULTS

At both temperatures, FVIII activity in plasma prepared after 8 and 10 hours was lower than that in plasma prepared after 4 and 6 hours. A significant decrease of FVIII activity was not seen in samples kept for 4 and 6 hours. Compared to storage between 1-6 °C, storage at 20-24 °C appears to cause a reduction in FVIII activity. There was a significant difference in apparent FVIII activity measured by the one-stage clot-based and chromogenic assays.

CONCLUSION

In Iran, to improve cryoprecipitate quality, freezing should begin within 6 hours after donation and whole blood should be kept at 1-6 °C until the plasma can be frozen. In this study although a good correlation was seen between the results of the one-stage clot-based and chromogenic assays for measuring FVIII activity in cryoprecipitate, the absolute values were significantly different.

Ambient overnight hold of whole blood prior to the manufacture of blood components

Blood services routinely separate whole blood into components that are then stored under different conditions. The storage conditions used for whole blood prior to separation must therefore be a compromise between the needs of the red cells (which benefit from refrigeration) and plasma and platelets (which are better preserved at ambient temperature). For many years, the approach has been to manufacture plasma and platelet components on the day of blood collection, and to refrigerate any unprocessed blood for manufacture into red cell components on the following day. However, this can make it challenging to maintain adequate stocks of all components. The European practice of 'ambient hold' of whole blood for up to 24 hours prior to processing allows greater flexibility in blood component manufacture, and the data reviewed suggest there is relatively little impact on the quality of red cell or plasma components, and an improvement in the quality of platelet components.

Pathogen Reduction Technology Treatment of Platelets, Plasma and Whole Blood Using Riboflavin and UV Light

Bacterial contamination and emerging infections combined with increased international travel pose a great risk to the safety of the blood supply. Tests to detect the presence of infection in a donor have a 'window period' during which infections cannot be detected but the donor may be infectious. Agents and their transmission routes need to be recognized before specific tests can be developed. Pathogen reduction of blood components represents a means to address these concerns and is a proactive approach for the prevention of transfusion-transmitted diseases. The expectation of a pathogen reduction system is that it achieves high enough levels of pathogen reduction to reduce or prevent the likelihood of disease transmission while preserving adequate cell and protein quality. In addition the system needs to be non-toxic, non-mutagenic and should be simple to use. The Mirasol® Pathogen Reduction Technology (PRT) System for Platelets and Plasma uses riboflavin (vitamin B2) plus UV light to induce damage in nucleic acid-containing agents. The system has been shown to be effective against clinically relevant pathogens and inactivates leukocytes without significantly compromising the efficacy of the product or resulting in product loss. Riboflavin is a naturally occurring vitamin with a well-known and well-characterized safety profile. The same methodology is currently under development for the treatment of whole blood, making pathogen reduction of all blood products using one system achievable. This review gives an overview of the Mirasol PRT System, summarizing the mechanism of action, toxicology profile, pathogen reduction performance and clinical efficacy of the process.

The how's and why's of evidence based plasma therapy

Although traditionally fresh frozen plasma (FFP) has been the product of choice for reversing a significant coagulopathy, the modern blood bank will have several different plasma preparations which should all be equally efficacious in reversing a significant coagulopathy or arresting coagulopathic bleeding. Emerging evidence suggests that for a stable patient, transfusing plasma for an INR≤1.5 does not confer a hemostatic benefit while unnecessarily exposing the patient to the risks associated with plasma transfusion. This review will discuss the various plasma products that are available and present some of the current literature on the clinical uses of plasma.

Lyophilised plasma: evaluation of clotting factor activity over 6 days after reconstitution for transfusion

Aims

Little is known about long-term stability of clotting factors in dissolved human lyophilised plasma. This study evaluated clotting factor and inhibitor activity in reconstituted lyophilised plasma after storage for up to 6 days at 4°C.

Methods

Five samples from different lots of pooled lyophilised plasma (LyoPlas; German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service West) were reconstituted. The activity of fibrinogen, factor II (FII), FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI, FXII, FXIII, antithrombin, plasmin inhibitor, von Willebrand factor antigen, free protein S and protein C were determined immediately and at 2, 4, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 h after reconstitution. Tests for bacterial contamination were performed after 12, 72 and 144 h from each plasma bottle.

Results

Storage at 4°C for 6 h led to a decrease in the activity of FVIII (Δ −14.9%), FIX (Δ −6.9%) and FXI (Δ −6.3%), and an increase in the activity of plasmin inhibitor (Δ +10.2%). Storage for up to 6 days resulted in a further decrease in activity of FVIII (Δ −24.3%), FIX (Δ −13.4%) and FXI (Δ −22.9%), and, additionally, a decrease in the activity of FV (Δ −15.0%), fibrinogen (Δ −6.9%) and plasmin inhibitor (Δ −17.5%). Other factors and inhibitors, with exception of protein C (Δ +8.2%), remained almost unchanged over time. Blood cultures were sterile and showed no bacterial growth.

Conclusions

The activity of all measured coagulation factors and inhibitors in a time course of up to 6 days met required quality standards. Further in vivo testing is required to demonstrate safety and efficacy of extended clinical use of refrigerated reconstituted lyophilised plasma.

Perioperative coagulation management--fresh frozen plasma

Clinical studies support the use of perioperative fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in patients who are actively bleeding with multiple coagulation factor deficiencies and for the prevention of dilutional coagulopathy in patients with major trauma and/or massive haemorrhage. In these settings, current FFP dosing recommendations may be inadequate. However, a substantial proportion of FFP is transfused in non-bleeding patients with mild elevations in coagulation screening tests. This practice is not supported by the literature, is unlikely to be of benefit and unnecessarily exposes patients to the risks of FFP. The role of FFP in reversing the effects of warfarin anticoagulation is dependent on the clinical context and availability of alternative agents. Although FFP is commonly transfused in patients with liver disease, this practice needs broad reconsideration. Adverse effects of FFP include febrile and allergic reactions, transfusion-associated circulatory overload and transfusion-related acute lung injury. The latter is the most serious complication, being less common with the preferential use of non-alloimmunised, male-donor predominant plasma. FP24 and thawed plasma are alternatives to FFP with similar indications for administration. Both provide an opportunity for increasing the safe plasma donor pool. Although prothrombin complex concentrates and factor VIIa may be used as alternatives to FFP in a variety of specific clinical contexts, additional study is needed.

Instituting a thawed plasma procedure: it just makes sense and saves cents

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this time-series study were to elucidate the impact of a thawed plasma standard operating procedure (TP SOP) on plasma wastage and on cost savings.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This study compared plasma wastage for 1 year before versus 1 year after implementation of a TP SOP.

RESULTS

The plasma wastage and discard declined 79.7 and 64.9%, respectively, with a cost savings of $15,654.79 during the 1 year after implementation of the TP SOP. The risk that a unit of plasma would be wasted decreased 86.2% from Year 1 to Year 2 and the risk that a unit of plasma would be discarded decreased 76.3% from Year 1 to Year 2.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed the positive, sustained, impact of implementing a TP SOP. Twelve months after introducing the SOP our Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine Services' plasma wastage and discard were dramatically reduced, saving thousands of dollars. Initiating a TP SOP just makes sense; it is easy to implement, conserves plasma, and saves cents.

The effect of storing whole blood at 22 degrees C for up to 24 hours with and without rapid cooling on the quality of red cell concentrates and fresh-frozen plasma

BACKGROUND

Storage of whole blood (WB) for less than 24 hours at ambient temperature is permitted in Europe, but data directly comparing storage with and without active cooling are lacking, which was investigated and compared to current standard methods.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

WB was stored in one of four different ways for 24 hours after donation before processing on Day 1 to red cell concentrates (RCCs) in saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol and fresh-frozen plasma (FFP; n = 20 each): 1) at 22 degrees C in plastic trays, 2) in cooling devices (Compocool II, NPBI), 3) at 4 degrees C, or 4) processed from WB without storage less than 8 hours from donation (Day 0).

RESULTS

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) in RCCs were lower after ambient storage compared with those processed on Day 0 or after 4 degrees C storage. Rapid cooling slowed the loss of 2,3-DPG but levels were undetectable by Day 21 with any method. On Day 42 of RCC storage, there was no significant difference between storage methods in levels of adenosine triphosphate or hemolysis. Potassium levels were lower in RCCs from WB stored at ambient compared with those produced on Day 0, regardless of the use of cooling plates. FFP produced from WB on Day 0 or after storage at ambient with or without active cooling met UK specifications (>75% of units >0.70 IU/mL Factor VIII).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that RCCs and FFP produced from WB that has been stored at ambient temperature with or without active cooling are of acceptable quality compared with those produced using current standard methods in the United Kingdom.