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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

A Microfluidic Flow Chamber Model for Platelet Transfusion and Hemostasis Measures Platelet Deposition and Fibrin Formation in Real-time
Published on: February 14, 2017
The dynamics of clot formation in fresh-frozen plasma
A S Lawrie1, R A Cardigan, L M Williamson
1Haemostasis Research Unit, Department of Haematology, University College London, London, UK. andrew.lawrie@ucl.ac.uk
Background:
Factor VIII (FVIII) levels are used as a quality marker of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP); however, other clotting factors are not routinely measured.
Methods:
We assessed additional haemostatic parameters and the dynamics of coagulation using Thrombelastography (TEG) and a thrombin generation test (TGT). FFP was prepared on the day of donation (Day 0) or after overnight hold at 4 degrees C (Day 1).
Results:
Factor VIII in Day 1 FFP was 18% lower than in Day 0. TEG parameters in Day 1 FFP were consistent with increased coagulability and did not correlate with altered levels of clotting factors, but were consistent with the increased levels of microparticles seen in the Day 1 samples. TGT studies exhibited increased lag time, time to peak and reduced peak thrombin generation, but no change in endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) on Day 1. There was a weak association between FVIII level and both ETP and peak thrombin (ETP r(s)> or = 0.22, P< or = 0.003; peak thrombin r(s)> or = 0.48, P< or = 0.0001), which was influenced by ABO group, with the lowest levels in group O.
Conclusion:
We conclude that levels of FVIII do not predict the haemostatic potential of FFP and that there may be a role for alternative technologies in monitoring the quality of FFP.
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