Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Plasma is an important product for the preparation of coagulation factor concentrates. FVIII is one of the labile coagulation factors in plasma and its activity is used as a quality marker of plasma therefore, it is important to optimize plasma production in order to avoid a reduction of FVIII activity. In this study, the effect of the delayed interval from plasma production to freezing on factor VIII activity in FFP in Iran was evaluated .

 Materials and Methods

 Thirty whole blood units in pediatric bags were collected and their plasma aliquotes were separated. The plasma was then divided into three parts equally. The first, second, and third parts were frozen within 1 hour, 2 hours and 6 hours of separation, respectively. FVIII activity was then measured by the one-stage clotting assays .

 Results

 The average rates of factor VIII activity in the first, second, and third groups were 1.78 ± 0.4 IU/mL, 1.72 ± 0.4 IU/mL, and 1.5 ± 0.3 IU/mL, respectively

 Conclusions

 To provide fresh frozen plasma, it is necessary to freeze plasma within 2 hours after whole blood separation. Although any increase in this time to 6 hours is associated with the significant decline in factor VIII activity compared to 1 and 2 hours, it remains within the acceptable level.