Cryoprecipitate[edit | edit source]

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Cryoprecipitate, often referred to as cryo, is a frozen blood product derived from blood plasma. It is used in medical settings primarily for its clotting properties.

Production Process[edit | edit source]

Processing of blood plasma to produce cryoprecipitate.

Cryoprecipitate is produced through a process of thawing fresh frozen plasma at temperatures between 1–6 °C. The plasma is then centrifuged, and the precipitate formed is collected. This precipitate is resuspended in a small volume of residual plasma, usually about 10–15 mL, and re-frozen for storage.

Composition and Uses[edit | edit source]

Cryoprecipitate contains a concentration of several clotting factors, including:

Factor VIII (antihaemophilic factor)
Fibrinogen
Von Willebrand factor
Factor XIII
Fibronectin

It is primarily used for its clotting properties in treating conditions such as:

Hemophilia A
Von Willebrand disease
Hypofibrinogenemia
Uremic bleeding

Transfusion Practices[edit | edit source]

Cryoprecipitate is often transfused in adult patients as two 5-unit pools. This method of administration increases the concentration of clotting factors in the patient's blood.

Modern Clinical Use and Alternatives[edit | edit source]

While cryoprecipitate was once a primary choice for treating clotting factor deficiencies, its use has diminished with the availability of clotting factor concentrates. These concentrates offer more precise dosing and reduced risk of blood-borne infections. However, cryoprecipitate remains a valuable resource in certain clinical contexts where factor concentrates are not available or appropriate.

Safety and Storage[edit | edit source]

Cryoprecipitate, like other blood products, is stored in a frozen state and requires careful handling to maintain its efficacy and safety. Blood screening and donor testing are crucial to minimize the risk of transmitting infections.

Research and Development[edit | edit source]

Ongoing research in the field of hematology continues to explore the efficacy and safety of cryoprecipitate, as well as the development of more refined blood products and synthetic alternatives.

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

Cryoprecipitate Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.