FFP Classification: Blood Component vs Blood Product
Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is classified as a blood component, not a blood product. 1, 2, 3
Understanding the Distinction
FFP is derived directly from whole blood donation through separation and freezing processes, making it a blood component rather than a manufactured blood product. 1, 2
Key Characteristics of FFP as a Blood Component:
FFP contains all soluble coagulation factors including the labile factors V and VIII in their natural state, preserved through rapid freezing to below -25°C 3
Each unit represents plasma separated from a single donor with an approximate volume of 250-300 ml per bag 2, 3
FFP requires ABO compatibility with the recipient, similar to other blood components, and group AB FFP (universal donor plasma) is used when blood type is unknown 1, 3
Clinical Context for the Classification
The distinction matters clinically because:
Blood components (like FFP, red blood cells, platelets, cryoprecipitate) are separated directly from donated blood and retain the natural composition of that blood fraction 1, 2
Blood products (like factor concentrates, albumin, immunoglobulins) are manufactured through fractionation processes that isolate and concentrate specific proteins from pooled plasma 1, 4
Practical Implications:
FFP must be stored frozen at -25°C or below to maintain factor integrity, unlike manufactured products that often have room temperature stability 3
Once thawed, FFP has limited viability (24 hours at 4°C, or 30 minutes once removed from refrigeration), reflecting its nature as a minimally processed component 1, 3
FFP carries transfusion risks similar to other blood components, including TRALI, TACO, ABO incompatibility reactions, and infectious disease transmission 1, 2