Introduction: Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is prepared within 8-10 hours after collection to ensure preservation of coagulation factors however, adherence to this time is a challenge. Extended processing time is an option to overcome it. This study was done to evaluate haemostatic proteins after extended time. Methods: Blood collected from a mobile donation centre was divided into three (3) groups before processed into plasma. Group 1 (n=42) was prepared within 8 hours post collection. Group 2 (n=42) was prepared after overnight and stored at room temperature. Group 3 (n=42) was prepared after overnight but stored at 2-6⁰C. Plasma haemostatic proteins were measured in all groups and mean activity of each level was compared using One-way ANOVA. Results: There was no reduction in all the haemostatic proteins in plasma prepared from overnight storage (Groups 2 and 3) compared to Group 1 except for Factors VIII and V whilst PT was not significantly prolonged. aPTT was significantly prolonged in both Groups 2 and 3 compared to Group 1. There were 25.7% and 35.2% reduction of Factor VIII levels in Groups 2 and 3 respectively, however levels were above 60%. There is 8.7% reduction in Factor V level but the mean factor activity was above 90%. Comparing Groups 2 and 3, there was no significant difference in activity of all haemostatic proteins. Conclusions: Haemostatic proteins are preserved in plasma prepared from blood stored overnight. Prolongation of the APTT is reflected by reduction in Factor VIII activity but still within the normal reference range.
Haemostatic proteins