Storage and Handling of Fresh Frozen Plasma

Storage Requirements

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) must be stored at core temperatures below -25°C for up to 36 months to preserve the integrity of labile coagulation factors, particularly factors V and VIII 1, 2, 3, 4
The American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends that FFP be stored frozen to maintain its coagulation factor activity 1, 2, 3, 4

Once thawed, FFP can be stored at 4 ± 2°C for up to 24 hours if the infusion is completed within this timeframe, as recommended by the American Association of Blood Banks 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, 4
In patients with traumatic major hemorrhage, pre-thawed FFP can be stored at 4°C for up to 5 days, according to the guidelines from the American College of Surgeons 1, 2, 3, 4

FFP can be thawed using dry ovens, microwave, or water bath, but thawing must be followed immediately by either refrigerated storage or transfusion, as stated by the American Society of Anesthesiologists 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, 4
Once removed from refrigerated storage, FFP must be used within 30 minutes and transfusion should be completed within 4 hours total from removal from temperature-controlled environment, as recommended by the American Association of Blood Banks 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, 4

Labile coagulation factors (particularly factors V and VIII) deteriorate rapidly at room temperature, which is why room temperature storage is prohibited, as stated by the American Society of Anesthesiologists 5, 6
Room temperature storage creates ideal conditions for bacterial growth, increasing the risk of contamination, according to the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 5, 6