Fresh Frozen Plasma (P9059)

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Fresh Frozen Plasma
• Medical Term: FFP between 8-24 hours of collection, Each Unit

Summary

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is a blood product made from the liquid portion of whole blood, separated and frozen within 8-24 hours of donation. Each unit of FFP is used to treat patients who need increased blood clotting factors or plasma proteins.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed: Low levels of blood clotting factors, liver disease, massive blood transfusions, significant bleeding, and certain clotting disorders.
• Goals/Expected Outcomes: To replenish deficient clotting factors and plasma proteins, stabilize bleeding, and restore sufficient blood clotting capability.

Indications

• Specific Symptoms/Conditions:
  • Severe bleeding disorders
  • Liver failure
  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
  • During massive transfusion protocols
• Patient Criteria: Patients with significant blood loss or clotting abnormalities, diagnosed though clinical assessments and lab tests.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions:
  • No specific fasting required.
  • Medication review to avoid those that affect clotting.
• Diagnostic Tests:
  • Coagulation studies (PT, aPTT)
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Basic metabolic panel (BMP)

Procedure Description

1. Collection: Blood is drawn from a donor and the plasma is separated and frozen within 8-24 hours to preserve clotting factors.
2. Storage: FFP is stored in a blood bank at ultra-low temperatures.
3. Administration:
   • Thawed to body temperature before infusion.
   • Administered intravenously to the patient.
   • Tools/Equipment: Intravenous (IV) supplies, thawing device.
   • Anesthesia/Sedation: Not required.

Duration

• Infusion Time: Typically 30-120 minutes, depending on the volume required and patient tolerance.

Setting

• Location: Generally performed in a hospital, especially in emergency or intensive care units.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals: Physicians, nurses, and possibly a hematologist.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Mild allergic reactions, fever.
• Rare Risks: Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), infections.
• Management: Close monitoring, emergency protocols for any severe reactions.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Rapid replenishment of clotting factors and stabilizing of bleeding.
• Time Frame: Benefits are often immediate upon successful infusion.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Monitoring for reactions, bed rest, regular vital sign checks.
• Recovery Time: Typically within a few hours with no major restrictions, barring patient’s underlying condition.
• Follow-up: Possibly repeat coagulation tests, follow-up appointments based on clinical needs.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options: Synthetic clotting factors, other blood products like platelets or cryoprecipitate.
• Pros and Cons: Alternatives may offer targeted treatment but might not be as broadly effective as FFP across different clotting disorders.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Minimal discomfort from the IV insertion; otherwise, no pain.
• After Procedure: Systemic improvement if clotting improves; monitoring for any immediate complications. Pain management may not be necessary, but comfort measures and hydration are recommended.