plasma (blood transfusion)

Last reviewed 01/2018

plasma

Plasma is produced from whole blood donations or component donation by apheresis. It contains all of the coagulation factors.

  • plasma components of the same ABO group should be transfused to patients wherever possible.
  • plasma components do not need to be matched for RhD group as they contain no red cells or red cell stroma

Available plasma products include:

  • fresh frozen plasma
    • can be used for reversal of anticoagulant effects. 
  • thawed plasma - may be stored at 33.8 to 42.8°F (1 to 6°C) for up to five days
    • has lower levels of factors V and VIII and is not indicated in patients with consumption coagulopathy (diffuse intravascular coagulation)

Reference: