Levels of factor VIII and factor IX in fresh-frozen plasma produced from whole blood stored at 4 °C overnight in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess whether the quantities of factor VIII and factor IX in fresh-frozen plasma produced from whole blood stored at 4 °C for 24 hours are adequate for their intended purpose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fresh-frozen plasma separated from whole blood after storage at 4 °C overnight (24 hours from donation) was compared with plasma prepared 8 hours after donation using a standard method. The amounts of factor VIII and factor IX obtained with the two methods were compared. RESULTS: Compared to the levels of factor VIII and factor IX in plasma prepared within 8 hours of blood collection, the levels in plasma prepared after 24 hours of storage at 4 °C were 25% and 9% lower, respectively. Ninety percent of the factor VIII and 100% of the factor IX levels were above 0.5 IU/mL (standard haematology reference range) after 24 hours of storage. DISCUSSION: These data suggest that there is good retention of coagulation factor activity in plasma produced from whole blood stored at 4 ºC for 24 hours and that such plasma would be an acceptable product for most patients requiring fresh-frozen plasma.