The British Society of Heamatology (BSH) recently published new guidelines for the use of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and cryoprecipitate products. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was used to develop plasma transfusion guidelines using scientific literature published from 2004-2016. Guidelines for safely thawing and storing FFP and cryoprecipitate, and their use in non-bleeding patients were considered. The guidelines recommend that FFP be stored at 4oC as long as the transfusion is completed within 24 hours of thawing or within 4 hours without refrigeration. Pre-thawed standard FFP can be extended to 120 hours for patients with unexpected bleeding only. The guidelines did not recommend FFP transfusions for patients undergoing invasive procedures or those non-bleeding patients with abnormal coagulation tests. Recommendations on ABO and Rh blood group compatibility were also summarized as were recommendations for heamatopoietic stem cell and organ transplants. The new BSH guidelines should aid the transfusion community since plasma transfusion guidelines have been limited due to the lack of reliable data. The AABB last published plasma transfusion guidelines in 2010.
References:
- Green L, Bolton-Maggs P, Beattie C, Cardigan R, Kallis Y, Stanworth SJ, Thachil J, and S Zahra. British Society of Haematology guidelines on the spectrum of fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate products: their handling and use in various patient groups in the absence of major bleeding. British Journal of Haematology 2018
- Roback JD, Caldwell S, Carson J, Davenport R, et al. Evidence-based practice guidelines for plasma transfusion. Transfusion 2010; 50; 1227-1239.
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