Cryodepleted plasma transfusions

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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.

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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.

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