A study on factors influencing the hemostatic potential of fresh frozen plasma

Background: Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is administered to correct deficiencies of various coagulation factors. The level of these factors in FFP varies with donor demographics and ex-vivo processing of plasma. In this study we have compared the quality control parameters of FFP collected from donors of different genders, age groups, ABO blood groups, smoking and alcohol intake habits. Materials and Methods: Four ABO group matched plasma units were pooled, split and further processed by four different freeze-thaw algorithms: frozen by contact shock freezer; thawed at 37 degrees C, frozen by contact shock freezer; thawed at 45 degrees C, frozen by mechanical freezer; thawed at 37 degrees C, frozen by mechanical freezer; thawed at 45 degrees C. The coagulation factor levels in plasma units were compared. Results: There were no significant differences in the quality parameters with donor age, gender and alcohol intake. Factor VIII levels were significantly lower in O group FFP (P < 0.05). Smokers had significantly higher levels of fibrinogen (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in PT, fibrinogen and factor VII levels of FFP processed through various algorithms. Plasma frozen rapidly through contact shock freezer had significantly lower aPTT and higher levels of factor V and VIII compared to mechanical freezing. There were no significant differences between PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, factor V, factor VII and factor VIII levels of FFP thawed at 37 degrees C and 45 degrees C. Mean thawing time was 28 minutes at 37 degrees C and 17 minutes at 45 degrees C. Conclusion: Rapid freezing is recommended for optimum preservation of coagulation factors. Thawing may be done at 45 degrees C in cases of emergency, without compromising hemostatic potential.