VABS Product Description
Fresh Frozen Plasma, Canine

Volume: 120 ml/unit; 180ml/unit, some units may contain larger volumes. The exact volume of each bag is indicated on the label.

Description: Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is plasma that has been separated from the red blood cells and frozen within 6 hours of collection. A slight pink colouration of the plasma is normal. FFP contains labile and stable clotting factors, albumin, alpha-macroglobulins, antithrombin III, electrolytes, and other plasma nutrients. It does not contain viable platelets. Donor DEA blood type is indicated on the label. Crossmatching is recommended with the transfusion of all blood components including plasma.

Indications: coagulopathy due to rodenticide toxicosis, Von Willebrand’s disease*, hemophilia, DIC, heatstroke, pancreatitis, parvoviral enteritis, other causes of severe hypoalbuminemia (albumin<2.0).

Storage: FFP can be stored at less than minus 18°C for up to 1 year in a standard freezer. After 1 year, it can be stored for an additional 4 years, but it is classified as "frozen plasma (FP)" instead of "fresh-frozen", and is not recommended if labile clotting factors are needed. The "freeze date" is indicated on the label. FFP that has been allowed to thaw and then re-frozen is considered FP, instead of FFP.

Thawing Procedures: Thaw FFP approximately 40 minutes before use. Thaw in a 30 – 37°C water bath using a thermometer to verify water temperature. Place the product in an airtight plastic bag while thawing to prevent tap water contamination of the entry port. Do not thaw in a microwave. If the frozen bag you receive is folded, DO NOT attempt to unfold it before or during the thawing process.

Precautions: Overdose can cause volume overload. As with any blood product, hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Crossmatching with recipient before transfusion is recommended. Small volumes of plasma have been aliquoted within the line attached to the bag for this purpose.

Administration: **ALL BLOOD PRODUCTS MUST BE ADMINISTERED THROUGH AN APPROPRIATE FILTER** Connect the recipient filter administration set to the unit by spiking one port. Directions for use are on the filter package. Use a Hemo-nate® filter if a small volume (< 60 ml) is being transfused. DO NOT USE LRS or any Calcium (Ca++) containing fluid in the same IV line as blood products, as the Ca++ may chelate with the citrate in the anticoagulant, allowing blood to clot.
Start the transfusion slowly (0.25 ml/kg/hr) for the first 15 minutes while monitoring the patient’s temperature, HR and RR immediately prior to starting the transfusion, and at 15 and 30 minutes. If there is no reaction , after 15 minutes the rate can be increased to 5 -10 ml/kg/hr, monitoring TPR every 30 minutes.

A commonly used dosage of plasma for hypoproteinemia is 6 – 10 ml/kg, b.i.d. to t.i.d, depending on the need for ongoing plasma support. The unit should be administered over no more than 4 hours. If necessary, aseptically divide the volume in the bag into smaller doses so that plasma is not kept at room temperature for longer than 4 hours.
Transfusion rate and volume administered depend on the clinical condition and volume status of the patient, so no general guidelines will apply to all patients. The veterinarian giving the transfusion must assess each individual recipient closely and base the administration on the patient’s status.

Adverse reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions may occur during or after the administration of any blood product. Plasma may contain blood cells. Patient temperature should be monitored every 30 minutes during the course of the transfusion, as a rise in temperature is often the earliest indicator of a reaction. Other signs may include restlessness, panting, vomiting, facial pruritis, hyperemia, and angioneurotic edema.

* The ideal product for VWD surgical patients is cryoprecipitate, which we do not produce. Please contact us re: ordering cryoprecipitate from the USA or for suggestions to optimize the use of our products for your VWD patients.