Compatibility

Compatibility rules for FFP and cryoprecipitate differ from those for red cells; extra care must be taken. Group A (or AB) FFP and plasma are considered "universal". Group O FFP/cryoprecipitate must only be given to group O patients. Where time permits, match components with the patient’s ABO group rather than relying on group A/AB FFP.

Patient’s blood group	Choice priority	FFP	Cryo
O	1st	O	O
	2nd	A	A
	3rd	B	B
A	1st	A	A
	2nd	AB	B*
	3rd	B*	AB
B	1st	B	B
	2nd	AB	A*
	3rd	A*	AB
AB	1st	AB	AB
	2nd	A*	A*
	3rd	B*	B*

= Only suitable for emergency use and if unit is tested and found to be negative for high titre ABO antibodies

Codes (F = FFP, C = Cryoprecipitate)

Adults

Typical transfusion volumes:

FFP
Dose	15‑20mL/kg body weight, often equivalent to 4 units in adults. Lower doses have little therapeutic benefit and still carry risks of transfusion.

Cryoprecipitate
Dose	2 units, equivalent to 10 individual pooled donations, will increase fibrinogen by approximately 1g/L in an average sized adult.

Infants and Children

Make sure that patients are vitamin K replete before transfusion of FFP and cryoprecipitate.

Correction of minor acquired abnormalities in non-bleeding patients (excluding DIC)

FFP is not indicated for non-bleeding children with minor prolonged PT/APTT (including prior to surgery unless to critical sites).