For a step by step guide, please refer to our downloadable document at the bottom of this page.
Plasma products must be handled with care as they are very brittle when frozen and should be thawed slowly before administration.
The plasma unit can either be defrosted at room temperature or placed in a warm water bath at body temperature. Ensure that the water temperature is monitored and doesn’t exceed 37°C using a thermometer or a commercial water bath. The unit must be protected in a plastic zip lock bag whilst in the water to prevent contamination of the administration ports.
Once warmed, the plasma unit should be removed from the plastic zip lock bag and hung on a drip stand before being aseptically attached to a blood administration set.
The plasma is now breached and must be discarded after 4 hours.
Plasma products should be given through a filter to facilitate the removal of any debris that may be present. These filters can be an integral part of the blood administration sets or attached to the extension line (filters are available to order from us) if delivering the plasma transfusion from a syringe via an intravenous extension set (common with small dogs). Peristaltic type infusion pumps may be used. Please check the suitability of the pump for blood administration and the compatibility/accuracy of the administration set with the manufacturer prior to use. We recommend a new administration set or filter and extension set is used for each new unit of plasma.
An initial infusion rate of 0.5-1.0 ml/kg/hr should be used for the first 15-30 minutes. During this time, the patient should be monitored for any evidence of a transfusion reaction. If no reaction is seen, this can be increased to a standard rate of 5-10ml/kg/hr. Slower rates of 1-2ml/kg/hr are recommended for patients with circulatory compromise. Any plasma remaining in the bag or syringe 4 hours after breach or withdrawal into a syringe (and remaining at room temperature) must be discarded. Plasma units can be separated into smaller volumes if the time over which they are to be given will exceed 4 hours (see blood component separation guidance).
The standard recommended dose of FFP, FP or Cryo-S for management of coagulopathies is 10-30ml/kg. The patient’s coagulation should be closely monitored as the required dose may be more or less than the standard dose. To manage hypoalbuminaemia, the recommended dose is 30ml/kg given as a continuous rate infusion. Higher rates are typically associated with greater increases in albumin. Patients should be monitored closely for signs of over infusion.
The recommended dose for Cryo-P to manage coagulopathies is 1 unit per 10kg bodyweight. An initial infusion rate of 0.5-1.0 ml/kg/hr should be used for the first 15-30 minutes. During this time, the patient should be monitored for any evidence of a transfusion reaction. If no reaction is seen, this can be increased to a standard rate of 5-10ml/kg/hr. Slower rates of 1-2ml/kg/hr are recommended for patients with circulatory compromise. Any Cryo-P remaining in the bag or syringe 4 hours after breach or withdrawal into a syringe (and remaining at room temperature) must be discarded. Cryo units can be separated into smaller volumes if the time over which they are to be given will exceed 4 hours (see blood component separation guidance).
Blood typing prior to administration of plasma products should be standard procedure in cases where red cells may be required at a later date. Cross matching is not required prior to plasma administration unless dogs have received multiple plasma transfusions in the past and reactions have been recorded.
Our transfusion monitoring record can be found at the bottom of this page. We recommend you print and use this during the transfusion.
To calculate the amount of plasma units needed, please see our canine transfusion calculator.
