Cryoprecipitate and Other Blood Products

Whenever we use products made from the blood of other people, we run the risk of getting any viruses that these people may have. People who donate their blood are asked about their lifestyles and health records. The ones whose answers suggest that they might have a virus or other illness are not allowed to give their blood. The blood itself is tested for hepatitis viruses and HIV. These steps keep our blood supply as safe as possible from disease. Also, factor concentrates are now treated to remove or kill viruses. To further reduce the risk of getting a hepatitis virus, people with bleeding disorders should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

Cryoprecipitate

Cryoprecipitate is a substance that comes from thawing fresh frozen plasma. It is rich in factor VIII, and fibrinogen. It is most commonly used as a source for fibrinogen supplementation. It is no longer used as the current standard of treatment for Hemophilia or VWD in the United States.

Fresh frozen plasma

Plasma, the fluid portion of the blood, can be frozen until needed. Fresh frozen plasma contains clotting factors, it is only used for bleeding disorders where we do not have specific factor concentrates available. There is a small chance that it may contain a virus. Treatment would also require a large amount of plasma to be given to get enough clotting factors. This risk overloading the person’s circulatory system (heart, arteries, and veins).

Platelets

Some people with platelet disorders have to be given platelets from blood donors. Their immune systems may react to these donated platelets as foreign cells. When recurrent platelet transfusions are needed, the immune system may make antibodies that can destroy the platelets. In special circumstances HLA matched platelets may be necessary. 

Whole blood

Whole blood is rarely used to treat bleeding disorders. Since a bag of whole blood only has a small amount of clotting factors, many bags of blood would be needed to stop bleeding. There is a danger of overloading the circulatory system. Whole blood may be used if the person has lost a large amount of blood and needs to replace other blood parts such as red cells.