Which situation is an indication for fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion?

Master the CAMLPR Transfusion Test with interactive questions and detailed explanations. Boost your knowledge and ensure you're exam-ready with comprehensive study resources!

Multiple Choice

Which situation is an indication for fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion?

Fresh frozen plasma is used to replace multiple clotting factors when a coagulopathy is present, such as reversing the effects of warfarin quickly in a patient with an elevated INR. Warfarin lowers levels of vitamin K–dependent factors, and FFP provides these factors to restore coagulation and reduce bleeding risk, especially when urgent reversal is needed or there is active bleeding. Mild thrombocytopenia won’t be corrected by FFP because it involves low platelets, not clotting factors; platelets are the essential component to transfuse in that scenario. Preventing alloimmunization isn’t achieved with FFP, as that involves antigen matching and minimizing antigen exposure. Iron deficiency anemia isn’t treated with plasma either, since FFP does not supply red blood cells or iron.

Fresh frozen plasma is used to replace multiple clotting factors when a coagulopathy is present, such as reversing the effects of warfarin quickly in a patient with an elevated INR. Warfarin lowers levels of vitamin K–dependent factors, and FFP provides these factors to restore coagulation and reduce bleeding risk, especially when urgent reversal is needed or there is active bleeding.

Mild thrombocytopenia won’t be corrected by FFP because it involves low platelets, not clotting factors; platelets are the essential component to transfuse in that scenario. Preventing alloimmunization isn’t achieved with FFP, as that involves antigen matching and minimizing antigen exposure. Iron deficiency anemia isn’t treated with plasma either, since FFP does not supply red blood cells or iron.

More practice questions