Guidelines for cryoprecipitate transfusion

The literature shows there is often inappropriate use of blood products, including cryoprecipitate plasma, because of inadequate education of physicians. Guidelines for cryoprecipitate transfusion have been developed by the Transfusion Medicine Advisory Group of British Columbia to educate clinicians and address transfusion practices in the province. These guidelines are based on a MEDLINE search and consultation with hematopathologists and clinicians. At present, transfusion of cryoprecipitate is indicated for hypofibrinogenemia/ dysfibrinogenemia, von Willebrand disease, hemophilia A, factor XIII deficiency, and management of bleeding related to thrombolytic therapy. Cryoprecipitate should not be used to prepare fibrin glue or to treat sepsis.