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Liquid Plasma Matches Thawed Plasma for Emergencies

Publication Title: Liquid plasma versus thawed plasma: Tracking coagulation factor activity changes during storage

Summary

Question
This study compared liquid plasma (LQP), a never-frozen blood product, to thawed plasma (TP) to examine how the levels of key coagulation factors change during storage and assess whether LQP can serve as an alternative for emergency transfusions. The researchers specifically analyzed levels of fibrinogen, protein C (PC), protein S (PS), and clotting factors V, VII, and VIII.
Why it Matters
Emergency plasma transfusions are critical in trauma care, where rapid administration of blood products can save lives. LQP offers a longer shelf-life (up to 26 days) compared to TP (5 days), making it potentially more practical for hospitals to maintain ready supplies. Understanding how LQP’s coagulation factors perform over time is essential for determining its effectiveness in replacing TP for resuscitation and massive transfusion protocols.
Methods
The researchers measured coagulation factor levels in 26 LQP units at three storage points (Day 15, Day 26, and Day 27) and compared them to 31 TP units analyzed on Day 5 of storage. Factor levels were assessed using clinical-grade analyzers and statistical analysis was conducted using Bayesian methods to track changes during storage and compare LQP to TP.
Key Findings
LQP stored for 26 days (LQP26) retained comparable levels of fibrinogen and PC to TP stored for 5 days (TP5), which are essential for blood clot formation and anticoagulation. However, LQP26 had significantly lower levels of factor V, PS, and slightly lower factor VIII activity compared to TP5. Factor VII levels in LQP decreased steadily during storage, while other factors remained stable. No significant changes were observed in coagulation factor levels between Day 26 and Day 27 of LQP storage.
Implications
LQP is a viable alternative to TP for emergency transfusions, especially in situations requiring immediate plasma availability. Its stable fibrinogen and factor VII levels make it suitable for acute trauma care, addressing concerns about delays caused by thawing frozen plasma. However, lower levels of factor V, PS, and factor VIII suggest LQP may not be ideal for non-emergent uses requiring full coagulation factor profiles.
Next Steps
Future research should explore extending LQP’s shelf-life beyond 26 days and assess its efficacy in clinical settings. Additional studies could investigate whether the reduced levels of factor V, PS, and factor VIII impact patient outcomes during massive transfusion protocols.
Funding Information
This research was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health (award T32HL007974-23). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. Yale University also provided funding and support for this research.

Full Citation

Yurtsever N, Gereg C, Perera N, Bahel P, Alicea M, Rinder H, Snyder E, Tormey C, Lee E. Liquid plasma versus thawed plasma: Tracking coagulation factor activity changes during storage. Vox Sanguinis 2026 PMID: 41871962, DOI: 10.1111/vox.70248.
This AI-assisted summary has been reviewed and approved by at least one of the study's authors to ensure it accurately reflects the research.

Authors

  • Nalan Yurtsever, MD

    First Author
    Yale School of Medicine

    Assistant Professor of Laboratory Medicine

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  • Edward S. Lee

    Last Author
    Other Institution

Additional Yale School of Medicine Authors

Other Authors

  • Catherine Gereg;
  • Nichelle Perera;
  • Parveen Bahel;
  • Melissa Alicea

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