Cryoprecipitate

Cryoprecipitate is prepared from plasma obtained from both whole blood and apheresis donations. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is slowly thawed at a temperature between 1 °C and 6 °C and the resulting cold-insoluble precipitate is removed and then refrozen. Cryoprecipitate has a shelf life of 12 months when stored at - 25 °C or below.

Cryoprecipitate contains most of the factor VIII, fibrinogen, factor XIII, von Willebrand factor and fibronectin found in FFP. It is used in major haemorrhage protocols to replace fibrinogen and in the treatment of fibrinogen deficiency or dysfibrinogenaemia when there is clinical bleeding, an invasive procedure, trauma or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Large-dose apheresis cryoprecipitate is not currently being manufactured. It has been replaced with split apheresis units, with three units produced from a single apheresis donation. One split apheresis unit is equivalent to one unit of whole blood cryoprecipitate.

Laboratories may have a mixed inventory of large-dose and split apheresis cryoprecipitate units until stocks of large-dose units are used or expire.

Recommended dose

When reviewing international studies of fibrinogen replacement, ensure that the current fibrinogen content in Australian cryoprecipitate is considered when estimating equivalence. Due to differences in manufacturing process between Blood Services internationally, fibrinogen content per 'unit' (pack) and per mL can vary considerably.

Adult dosing

In Australia, the NBA Patient blood management guideline for adults with critical bleeding recommend an adult dose of fibrinogen of 3 - 4 g of fibrinogen, which may be achieved by using:
•    9 units of whole blood cryoprecipitate or
•    9 units of split apheresis cryoprecipitate or
•    a combination of these as both unit types are equivalent and interchangeable.
This dose of 3 – 4 g of fibrinogen can also be achieved by using 3 units of large-dose apheresis cryoprecipitate units while stock is still available.

Paediatric dosing

The Patient blood management guidelines: Module 6 Neonatal and Paediatrics provide dosing guidance within the Critical Bleeding Protocol template for Infants and Children. The locally adapted health service Critical Bleeding Protocol and other relevant transfusion guidelines (specific to the particular patient group) should be referred to, and expert advice should be sought.

Typical unit content and specifications

The typical unit content data is derived from Lifeblood process control testing. For each parameter, the mean value (± 1 SD) and specification are shown.

Unless otherwise specified, data is for the period 1 January to 31 December 2025.

Cryoprecipitate whole blood

Volume (mL)	36 ± 2 (30–40)
Factor VIIIc (IU/unit)	168 ± 30 (≥ 70)
Fibrinogen (mg/unit)	319 ± 99 (≥ 140)
Von Willebrand factor (IU/unit)	285 ± 52 (> 100)

Cryoprecipitate apheresis

	Apheresis* (Manufacture discontinued)	Split apheresis (From January 2025)
Volume (mL)	60 ± 2 (54–66)	35 ± 2 (30–40)
Factor VIIIc (IU/unit)	372 ± 78 (≥ 70)	158 ± 26 (≥ 70)
Fibrinogen (mg/unit)	1173 ± 334 (≥ 140)	348 ± 165 (≥ 140)
Von Willebrand factor (IU/unit)	620 ± 102 (> 100)	261 ± 59 (> 100)