Foreword
2nd Edition, August 2013
ANZSBT Council is pleased to publish the second edition of the guidelines document Extended Life Plasma: A Framework for Preparation, Storage and Use (formerly Thawed Plasma Components: A Framework for Preparation, Storage and Use).
These guidelines were developed by the ANZSBT Transfusion Science Standing Committee and supersede the previous edition from April 2009. As you will note, this edition represents not only revision of the guidelines but also a name change which more accurately reflects the scope of the document.
Scope
A variety of fresh plasma components are available and these are generally stored frozen until required for transfusion. All plasma components contain coagulation factors, but in differing relative amounts. With rare exceptions, they are used to treat patients with coagulopathy who are bleeding or are at risk of bleeding and where treatment with vitamin K or specific factor concentrates is not appropriate or is unavailable.
The aim of these guidelines is to provide a framework for the preparation, storage and use of extended life plasma (ELP) a complementary component to thawed fresh frozen plasma (FFP).