Cryoprecipitate

This chapter focuses on the blood product, cryoprecipitate, its indications, preparation and administration. Cryoprecipitate or cryo is also known as Cryoprecipitated Antihemophilic Factor (AHF) and it is made from human plasma. When fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is thawed in the cold (1-6oC), a precipitate forms which after supernatant is removed is then refrozen. The main constituents of the cryoprecipitate are fibrinogen, fibronectin, Factor VIII, von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and Factor XIII. Cryoprecipitate is originally used as Factor VIII replacement for hemophilia A patients, currently cryoprecipitate is used primarily for fibrinogen replacement, and occasionally as Factor XIII replacement and in the manufacture of fibrin sealants and glue. A single unit of cryoprecipitate is manufactured from one unit of FFP which has been frozen within 8 hours of collection. Since cryoprecipitate contains negligible amounts of RBCs and minimal isohemagglutinins, anti-A or anti-B, choosing units with ABO or D compatibility is not necessary for most adults and pediatric patients. However, neonatal transfusion guidelines often recommend the use of ABO-compatible cryoprecipitate. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Author Beth H. Shaz Pathology