Name of the Procedure:

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) Thawing, Each Unit

Summary

Thawing fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is a procedure where frozen plasma is carefully warmed to a liquid state before it is administered to a patient needing plasma transfusion. Plasma contains vital clotting factors and proteins essential for treating bleeding disorders and other medical conditions.

Purpose

Fresh frozen plasma is used to treat clotting disorders and to replace plasma proteins. The goal of thawing FFP is to make the stored frozen plasma ready for use in emergency situations, surgical procedures, or other medical treatments where such a transfusion is indicated.

Indications

• Severe bleeding or hemorrhage.
• Coagulation factor deficiencies (e.g. hemophilia).
• Liver disease affecting clotting factor production.
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
• Massive transfusion protocols.

Preparation

• No specific preparation is required from the patient.
• The patient may need diagnostic tests like a coagulation profile or liver function tests to determine the need for plasma transfusion.

Procedure Description

1. Retrieve the required unit of FFP from the freezer.
2. Place the FFP unit in a specially designed plasma thawing device or water bath at approximately 37°C (98.6°F).
3. The plasma is gently agitated or circulated within the thawing device to ensure even temperature distribution.
4. Thawing typically takes 20-30 minutes per unit.
5. Once thawed, the plasma is checked for complete liquefaction and absence of any ice crystals.
6. The thawed plasma must be used within 24 hours, stored at 1-6°C if not used immediately.

Duration

The thawing process typically takes around 20-30 minutes per unit of plasma.

Setting

Thawing can be done in hospital labs, blood banks, or any medical facility with a plasma thawing device.

Personnel

• Trained laboratory technicians or medical technologists typically carry out the thawing process.
• Nurses or physicians administer the thawed plasma to the patient.

Risks and Complications

• Allergic reactions ranging from mild hives to severe anaphylaxis.
• Risk of transfusion-related lung injury (TRALI).
• Transmission of infectious agents (low risk due to screening protocols).

Benefits

• Rapid correction of bleeding disorders.
• Restoration of clotting factor levels.
• Improvement in patient outcomes in emergency bleeding situations.

Recovery

• Vital signs are monitored after plasma transfusion.
• Patients are observed for any signs of transfusion reactions.
• Recovery is immediate as the plasma works to correct clotting deficiencies.

Alternatives

• Cryoprecipitate for specific clotting factor deficiencies.
• Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC).
• Synthetic clotting factors or medications (e.g., vitamin K for warfarin reversal).

Patient Experience

During the thawing, patients will not feel anything as it's a preparation step done beforehand. During and after the transfusion, patients may experience warmth or chills, and nurses are available to manage any discomfort or reactions.