Thawed plasma an alternative to fresh frozen plasma.

Thawed plasma contains all of the clotting factors that Fresh Frozen Plasma contains with the exception of lower levels of Factor V and Factor VIII. Thawed plasma still has significant levels of factors to enhance coagulation. The purpose of our review was to decrease wastage and cost of fresh frozen plasma by utilizing thawed plasma and to encourage use of thawed plasma in place of fresh frozen plasma. Sources of information included our Blood Bank wastage data and cost analysis per unit. By educating the Trauma Service and Anesthesia and Emergency Services regarding the availability of thawed plasma versus fresh frozen plasma, the University Medical Center significantly decreased wastage of fresh frozen plasma after the program was initiated.