Cryodepleted plasma transfusions

illustration of a yellow plasma drop
So, what is it?

Cryodepleted plasma is what's left after some blood clotting proteins (cryoprecipitate) have been removed from fresh frozen plasma. It’s stored frozen and thawed when someone needs it.

Lady holding a blue question mark
Why might I need a cryodepleted plasma transfusion?

If you have thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura , you may need cryodepleted plasma. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a blood disorder that causes blood clots to form in small blood vessels around your body. The usual treatment is plasma exchange where some of your plasma is removed and replaced with cryodepleted plasma.

Sometimes cryodepleted plasma is used to treat other medical conditions, too.

Are there options other than a cryodepleted plasma transfusion?

Yes, but there are no options available to treat thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura that don’t involve transfusion of blood products. Sometimes other blood products, like plasma or albumin (a type of protein) are used instead of cryodepleted plasma. Choosing not to receive a transfusion may have severe or fatal consequences.

You may also like

illustration of a doctor wearing a white coat with a stethoscope

Avoid a transfusion

There are some things you can do to lower the chances of needing a transfusion.

Check out these tips
illustration of a person seated with a doctor beside them

Receiving a transfusion

Everything you need to know, from what ‘informed consent’ means through to your recovery.

See our transfusion guide