Cryodepleted plasma

Cryodepleted plasma contains most clotting factors in similar amounts to FFP but is deficient in factor VIII, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor (the high molecular weight multimers are more thoroughly removed than the smaller multimers), factor XIII and fibronectin.

Cryodepleted plasma has a shelf life of 12 months when stored at –25 ºC or below.

Cryodepleted plasma may be used for plasma exchange in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). It may also be used as an alternative to FFP for the treatment of coagulopathy where there is no significant reduction in factor VIII, fibrinogen, or factor XIII.

Large-dose apheresis cryodepleted plasma is not currently being manufactured. It has been replaced by split apheresis units, with three units being produced from a single apheresis donation. One split apheresis unit is equivalent to one unit of whole blood cryodepleted plasma.

Laboratories may have a mixed inventory of large-dose and split apheresis units until stocks of large-dose units are used or expire.

Typical unit content and specifications

The typical unit content data is derived from Lifeblood process control testing. For each parameter, the mean value (± 1 SD) and specification are shown.

Unless otherwise specified, data is for the period 1 January to 31 December 2025.