cryoprecipitate

Cryoprecipitate is a blood product derived from plasma. It is produced by thawing fresh frozen plasma at cold temperatures (about 1–6°C) and collecting the precipitated fraction, which is then resuspended in a small volume of plasma. The product contains concentrated levels of fibrinogen (factor I), factor VIII, factor XIII, von Willebrand factor, and fibronectin, making it particularly useful for fibrinogen replacement and as a source of several clotting factors.

Preparation and use are commonly described in terms of donor origin and compatibility. Cryoprecipitate can be prepared as single-donor or multi-donor plasma products. ABO compatibility is preferred to minimize transfusion reactions. Dosing is guided by the patient’s fibrinogen level and clinical bleeding; typically, a unit is infused over about 30–60 minutes with the aim of raising fibrinogen to a hemostatic level (often referenced as above 1.5–2.0 g/L in bleeding patients).

Indications include acquired hypofibrinogenemia due to massive transfusion, disseminated intravascular coagulation, liver disease, or other causes of fibrinogen deficiency, as well as congenital fibrinogen disorders (such as afibrinogenemia or hypofibrinogenemia). While cryoprecipitate provides multiple factors, it is often used specifically for fibrinogen replacement, with fibrinogen concentrate or specific factor concentrates available as alternatives in certain settings.

Storage and safety notes: Cryoprecipitate is prepared from screened donor plasma and stored frozen at or below -18°C. After thawing at 1–6°C, it should be used within a limited time frame (typically several hours, depending on local guidelines) and requires careful compatibility testing. Potential risks include transfusion reactions, alloimmunization, transfusion-related acute lung injury, and transfusion-associated circulatory overload. As with other plasma-derived products, appropriate compatibility testing and monitoring are essential.