WCBS Introduces a New Blood Product: Thawed Plasma

Effective 15 October 2026, the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) will introduce a new product at the Blood Bank, Thawed Plasma. Thawed Plasma is a modified pack of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) that was initially requested for a patient but subsequently cancelled. Rather than being discarded, its expiry has been extended to four days, allowing it to be utilised to reduce blood product wastage and improve resource utilisation.

Thawed Plasma may not always be available, as its supply depends on cancelled FFP orders. If Thawed Plasma is unavailable, the Blood Bank will prepare and issue Fresh Frozen Plasma as an alternative.

The details of the new product are as follows:

Thawed Plasma contains all labile clotting factors, but at slightly reduced levels compared to Fresh Frozen Plasma. These products can essentially be used interchangeably, but Fresh Frozen Plasma should be preferentially used for patients with a specific need for high FV or FVIII activity.

The clinical indications for Thawed Plasma include: major haemorrhage and trauma, multiple coagulation factor deficiencies, urgent vitamin K antagonist reversal when plasma is indicated, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or plasma exchange where clinically appropriate.

Currently, WCBS does not permit the use of Thawed Plasma for children under 12 years of age. This policy is based on the following rationale: avoiding unnecessary exposure of small children to a full adult plasma unit, the lack of local validation in paediatric patients, and (potentially) concerns about DEHP or prolonged contact with the storage bag, depending on the bag system.

Download Thawed Plasma Memo.

For more information about Thawed Plasma, contact your closest Blood Bank.