Evaluation of changes in coagulation factors in fresh frozen plasma during storage at -18C for 5 weeks at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital.

BackgroundFresh frozen plasma is a critical substitute therapy in management of bleeding. Increased risk of venous thrombosis has been described to be associated with high plasma levels of several coagulation factors. MethodologyThis study was a longitudinal study involving time series analysis of fresh frozen plasma stored at -18{degrees}C for five weeks. A sample of 180 ml plasma was obtained from the blood centrifuged at 4000rpm which was aliquoted into three parts each containing 60ml. The first aliquot was used to assess the changes in coagulation factors in FFP at baseline during the first week of sample collection, the second aliquot was used to assess the changes in coagulation factors in FFP storage at -18{degrees}C temp after three weeks of storage, the third aliquot was used to assess the changes in coagulation factors in FFP storage at -18{degrees}C temp after five weeks of storage. Coagulation factor analysis was performed using Erba Mannheim ECL 105 coagulation analyzer, India factor results recorded. Thawing for subsequent coagulation factor analysis and serial testing of stored cryoprecipitate and fresh frozen plasma was done using Stericox Plasma Thawing Bath at 37{degrees}C, for 45 mins before before analyzing the samples. Standard storage conditions for the aliquots were monitored and maintained to ensure homogeneity. ResultsThe findings showed significant changes in the coagulation factors in FFP during storage at -18 for a period to five weeks with chi-square value of 216.000 and asymptomatic significance value (p-value) <0.0001* less than the standard alpha 0.05. ConclusionThere was a constant decrease of coagulation factors in fresh frozen plasma during storage at -18{degrees}C for 5 weeks at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kisii County.