The Cardiovascular
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Plasma Dosage

Estimated fresh frozen plasma volume to raise coagulation factor activity by a desired percentage.

Plasma Dosage
Body weight
Hematocrit
%
Desired increase in factor activity
%
Complete the fields above to see the result.

When to use

  • Estimating an FFP dose to correct a specific coagulation factor deficit before an invasive procedure or for active bleeding.

Formula

Plasma volume (mL) = weight (kg) x 70 mL/kg x (1 - hematocrit/100). FFP dose (mL) = plasma volume x (desired % increase in factor activity / 100).

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Most factors recover at roughly 1 mL FFP/kg raising activity by about 1-2%; 10-15 mL/kg is a typical empiric starting dose.

References

  1. O'Shaughnessy DF, et al. Br J Haematol. 2004;126(1):11-28 (BCSH guidelines for FFP/cryoprecipitate use).