BACKGROUND: Three types of plasma are widely available for transfusion. Two
plasma components, FFP donor retested (FFP-DR), and solvent/detergent-trea
ted plasma (SDP), are now considered to be safer from infectious complicati
ons than FFP.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A large regional blood center attempted to provid
e FFP-DR exclusively to all its 42 hospitals. Significant planning, increas
es in computer capabilities, and expansion of component storage areas were
completed before initiation of this program.
RESULTS: During the first 6 months of the FFP-DR program, the blood center
was not able to supply the entire region exclusively with FFP-DR. Consequen
tly, SDP was utilized to supplement the program and to successfully and com
pletely convert the region's 42 hospitals to the use of safer plasma.
CONCLUSION: Two new plasma components were utilized to completely convert a
blood service region to the use of safer plasma.