Blood components

Fresh plasma

DEFINITION

Plasma from a total blood unit, isolated and frozen quickly enough after donation to maintain the activity of the different factors of coagulation at above 70% of the original.

HOW IT IS OBTAINED

By centrifuging a unit of total blood, the cells are separated from the plasma, which is transferred to a bag and then frozen.
The plasma contains an unmeasured amount of anticoagulant-preservative solution (CPD or CPD-Adenina).

COMPOSITION AND CHARACTERISTICS

Volume:

• 229 ml (between 180 and 278 ml).

Average contents in coagulation factors:

• Factor VIII 0.87 UI/ml
• Factor V 1.01 UI/ml 
• Factor II 1.11 UI/ml 
• Fibrinogen 2.71 g/l

ANALYSIS RESULTS

• ABO group and Rh factor.
• Irregular antibodies: negative.
• Surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus (HBs Ag): negative.
• Antibodies against the hepatitis C virus (Anti-HCV): negative.
• Antibodies against the Immunodeficiency virus (Anti-HIV 1+2): negative.
• Syphilis serology: negative.
• NAT of HCV (PCR): negative.
• NAT of HIV (PCR): negative.
• NAT of VHB (PCR): negative.
• Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies: negative (only carried out on donors with a risk of being carriers).

RECIPIENT

Collapsible plastic bags.

IDENTIFICATION

With labels containing the following data: name of the centre, type of product, ABO group and Rh (D) factor, unit number, date of extraction, expiry date, results of analysis, types of anticoagulant, preservation and administration condition.

PRESERVATION

At -30ºC.

EXPIRY DATE

3 years.

OBSERVATIONS

Fresh plasma, except in extraordinary situations, is not used for transfusions. It is an intermediate product that is treated with methylene blue or sent to industries to manufacture derivatives.