Usually issued as a pool, with the average order for 10 units in one pool. 15 ml per unit; 150 ml per pool of 10.
Contains factors VIII, XIII, von Willebrand's factor, fibrinogen, and fibronectin.
Most commonly used for fibrinogen replacement. Old uses included von Willebrand's disease and hemophilia (for which factor concentrates are now used) and uremia (for which DDAVP should be tried first). Sometimes issued to patients with coagulopathies when "all else fails", presumably to replace fibrinogen. Neonates are transfused ABO compatible products. Other patients need not be matched for ABO or Rh type.
Fibrin glue If one unit of cryoprecipitate is ordered, rather than a pool, the intended use may be for fibrin glue. One unit of thawed cryo is applied topically along with bovine thrombin, usually in surgery to stop local bleeding. Common uses: vascular anastomoses, liver or lung resection, spleen laceration, dural grafting. This use is acceptable, but does carry the theoretical risk of infectious disease transmission.
Wound or ulcer healing. Cryoprecipitate used topically on the skin or cornea for healing of wounds or ulcers is still experimental. Use your judgement if this use comes up.
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