## Storage and Viability of Fresh Frozen Plasma **Key Point:** FFP stored at −18°C or colder maintains clotting factor activity for **2 years** from the time of collection. Once thawed, FFP must be used within 24 hours if stored at 1–6°C. ### FFP Storage Requirements and Stability | Storage Condition | Maximum Duration | Factor Stability | |---|---|---| | −18°C or colder (frozen) | 2 years | >80% activity retained | | −65°C or colder (ultra-cold) | 7 years | >90% activity retained | | 1–6°C (refrigerated, after thawing) | 24 hours | Gradual decline in labile factors | | Room temperature (20–24°C) | Not recommended | Rapid factor degradation | **High-Yield:** The 2-year storage window at standard freezer temperature (−18°C) is the most commonly tested fact in NEET PG and INI-CET. This is the standard for blood bank inventory management in most Indian hospitals. ### Why 2 Years? 1. Vitamin K-dependent factors (II, VII, IX, X) remain stable at −18°C 2. Fibrinogen and factor V show minimal degradation over 2 years 3. Labile factors (V, VIII) are most susceptible to freeze-thaw cycles 4. Beyond 2 years, factor activity drops below acceptable transfusion thresholds **Clinical Pearl:** Some blood banks use ultra-cold storage (−65°C) to extend FFP viability to 7 years, but this requires specialized equipment and is not standard practice in most Indian centers. **Warning:** Do NOT confuse FFP storage duration with other blood products: - **PRBC:** 35–42 days at 1–6°C - **Platelets:** 5–7 days at 20–24°C with continuous agitation - **Cryoprecipitate:** 1 year at −18°C (similar to FFP) [cite:Park 26e Ch 3]
Sign up free to access AI-powered MCQ practice with detailed explanations and adaptive learning.