2. Presentation outline
• Introduction
• What is Fresh Frozen Plasma?
• Benefits of Fresh Frozen Plasma
• Medical Conditions Treated with Fresh Frozen Plasma
• Risks and Side Effects of Fresh Frozen Plasma
• How is Fresh Frozen Plasma prepared?
• Transportation of Fresh Frozen Plasma
• Future Developments in Fresh Frozen Plasma
• Conclusion
• References
• Q&A
3. Introduction
• Fresh frozen plasma is a vital component of medical
treatment that can mean the difference between life and
death for patients in need.
• Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is a blood product derived from
whole blood, used to manage bleeding disorders and
various medical conditions.
• FFP contains vital components like coagulation factors,
plasma proteins, and other clotting factors, making it
essential for transfusion therapies.
• In this presentation, we will explore the preparation,
indications, and safe use of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP).
4. What is Fresh Frozen Plasma?
• Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is a blood product that contains all the clotting
factors needed for blood to clot properly. It is obtained from donated blood
that has been frozen at -18°C or lower within 6 hours of collection.
• FFP is used to treat patients with bleeding disorders, liver disease, and other
medical conditions that affect blood clotting. To collect FFP, whole blood is
first collected from a donor using a standard blood donation process.
• The blood is then separated into its individual components using a process
called apheresis or centrifugation.
• The plasma component is then frozen and stored until it is needed for
medical treatment. FFP can be thawed and administered to patients through
intravenous infusion or transfusion.
5. Benefits of Fresh Frozen Plasma
• Fresh frozen plasma contains important
clotting factors that can help prevent
excessive bleeding in patients with
coagulation disorders or those
undergoing surgery.
• In addition to its role in blood clotting,
fresh frozen plasma can also be used to
replace lost blood volume and provide
essential proteins and nutrients to
critically ill patients.
6. Medical Conditions Treated with Fresh Frozen Plasma
• Fresh frozen plasma is used in the treatment of a variety of medical
conditions, including coagulation disorders and liver disease.
• Coagulation disorders are conditions that affect the body's ability to form
blood clots. Fresh frozen plasma contains clotting factors that can help to
stop bleeding in patients with these disorders.
• Liver disease can also cause problems with blood clotting, and fresh
frozen plasma can be used to address this issue as well.
7. Risks and Side Effects of Fresh Frozen Plasma
• One of the most significant risks is the possibility of transfusion reactions, which can
range from mild to severe and even life-threatening.
• These reactions can occur due to incompatibility between the donor plasma and the
recipient's blood, or due to the presence of antibodies or other substances in the
plasma.
• Other potential side effects of fresh frozen plasma include fever, chills, itching, and
hives. In rare cases, more serious complications such as lung injury or infections can
occur.
• However, these risks can be managed or avoided by careful screening of donors and
recipients, proper storage and handling of the plasma, and close monitoring of
patients during and after transfusion.
8. How fresh frozen plasma is prepared
• Donor Selection: Eligible donors are carefully screened to ensure
they meet specific health criteria and pose no risk of transmitting
infections or diseases through their plasma.
• Blood Collection: Whole blood is collected from the donor using a
sterile, single-use needle and blood collection bag. The collected
blood is mixed with an anticoagulant to prevent clotting during
storage.
• Centrifugation: The whole blood is then centrifuged to separate
its components into different layers based on density. This
separates the plasma from the red blood cells and other cellular
components.
• Typically, the centrifugation speed for FFP preparation falls within
the range of 1500 to 2000 revolutions per minute (rpm) for time
range of 15 -20 minutes
9. How fresh frozen plasma is prepared cntd.
• Plasma Removal: The plasma is carefully extracted from the top
layer of the centrifuged blood and collected into a separate bag
or container. The remaining components, such as red blood
cells and platelets, are used for other blood products
• Freezing: The collected plasma is rapidly frozen to temperatures
below -18°C (0°F) to preserve the coagulation factors and other
important proteins present in the plasma.
• Storage: Once frozen, the FFP is stored in specialized freezers at
ultra-low temperatures (usually below -30°C or -22°F) for up to
a year.
• Testing: Before being made available for clinical use, the FFP
undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its safety. Tests may
include screening for infectious diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis
B and C, and syphilis, among others.
10. How fresh frozen plasma is prepared cntd.
• Thawing: When needed for transfusion, the FFP is thawed
using a controlled thawing process to ensure the
preservation of its coagulation factors and other essential
components.
• Transfusion: The thawed FFP is then transfused into the
patient through a sterile intravenous (IV) line. Transfusion
rates and monitoring are adjusted based on the patient's
condition and medical requirements.
• Documentation: Throughout the process, detailed records
are maintained for traceability and compliance with
regulatory standards. These records include donor
information, testing results, freezing and thawing times,
and transfusion
11. Transportation of Fresh Frozen Plasma
• During transportation, fresh frozen plasma must be kept in insulated
containers with dry ice or gel packs to maintain the required
temperature.
• The containers must also be labeled clearly to indicate the contents
and storage requirements.
12. Future Developments in Fresh Frozen Plasma
One area of focus is in the treatment of traumatic brain injuries, where fresh frozen plasma has
been shown to improve patient outcomes compared to traditional treatments.
Additionally, researchers are exploring the potential use of fresh frozen plasma in cancer
treatment, as it may be able to target and destroy cancer cells.
In terms of storage and transportation, advancements in technology are allowing for more
efficient and reliable methods for preserving and transporting fresh frozen plasma.
For example, some companies are developing specialized containers that can maintain the
necessary temperature during transport, while others are working on improving the freezing
process to preserve the plasma for longer periods of time.
These developments could have a significant impact on the availability and accessibility of
fresh frozen plasma for patients in need.
13. Conclusion
• Fresh frozen plasma is a vital component of medical treatment that can be
used to help patients with coagulation disorders, liver disease, and other
medical conditions.
• Its benefits include providing essential clotting factors and proteins, as well as
helping to restore blood volume in emergencies.
• While there are potential risks and side effects associated with fresh frozen
plasma, these can be managed or avoided through careful screening and
preparation.
•
• It is important for healthcare professionals to understand the proper methods
for administering and storing fresh frozen plasma, as well as the latest
research and developments in the field.
14. References
• American Association of Blood Banks. (2016). Standards for Blood Banks and
Transfusion Services. AABB.
• Cushing, M. M., & Shaz, B. H. (2015). Fresh Frozen Plasma: Indications and
Risks. American Society of Hematology.
• Dzik, W. H. (2011). Fresh Frozen Plasma: Uses and Risks. Hematology Am Soc
Hematol Educ Program.
• National Health Service Blood and Transplant. (2017). Fresh Frozen Plasma.
NHSBT.
