Frozen fresh plasma (FFP) must be separated and frozen within ---- hours to maintain all coagulation factors in normal concentrations.

Frozen fresh plasma (FFP) must be separated and frozen within ---- hours to maintain all coagulation factors in normal concentrations.

• A. 8
• B. 2
• C. 12
• D. 6

Answer: (A)

Prompt processing preserves coagulation factor activity. Fresh frozen plasma must be separated from whole blood and frozen promptly, because coagulation factors—especially the labile ones like Factor VIII and others—begin to degrade if there’s delay. Freezing within eight hours of collection helps maintain their normal concentrations when the plasma is used later for transfusion. Waiting beyond that window allows progressive loss of activity, compromising the effectiveness of the plasma.

Prompt processing preserves coagulation factor activity. Fresh frozen plasma must be separated from whole blood and frozen promptly, because coagulation factors—especially the labile ones like Factor VIII and others—begin to degrade if there’s delay. Freezing within eight hours of collection helps maintain their normal concentrations when the plasma is used later for transfusion. Waiting beyond that window allows progressive loss of activity, compromising the effectiveness of the plasma.