Red Blood Cells

  • 1 unit raises Hb by 10g/L and contains 200-250 mg of iron
  • 10-20ml/kg recipient
  • Stored at 4°C for up to 35 days

Platelets

  • Stored at room temperature for up to 5 days
  • Used to treat/prevent thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction

Fresh Frozen Plasma

  • Contains all clotting factors - levels begin to fall after thawing
  • Stored at -30 for up to 3 years
  • Used to replace multiple factor deficiences only

Cryoprecipitate

  • Extracted from FFP and contains fibrinogen, vWF, FVIII and FXIII
  • Storage at -30 for up to 3 years
  • Used to treat DIC or massive haemorrhage to get clotting again