Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) contains a broad range of coagulation and plasma proteins, making it useful for various bleeding and clotting disorders. Its main components include:
1. Coagulation Factors
- All clotting factors, including:
- Factor I (Fibrinogen)
- Factor II (Prothrombin)
- Factor V
- Factor VII
- Factor VIII
- Factor IX
- Factor X
- Factor XI
- Factor XII
- Factor XIII
- Particularly rich in Factor V and Factor VIII, which degrade over time in stored whole blood.
2. Anticoagulant Proteins
- Protein C and Protein S – regulate coagulation by inhibiting Factor V and Factor VIII.
- Antithrombin III (ATIII) – inhibits thrombin (Factor IIa) and other clotting factors.
3. Fibrinolytic System Components
- Plasminogen – precursor to plasmin, which helps break down clots.
- α2-Antiplasmin – inhibits plasmin to regulate fibrinolysis.
4. Immunoglobulins & Albumin
- Contains IgG, IgA, and IgM, but in lower concentrations than specific immunoglobulin products.
- Albumin – helps maintain oncotic pressure and volume expansion.
5. Electrolytes & Other Plasma Proteins
- Sodium, potassium, calcium, and other trace elements in physiological concentrations.
- Transport proteins like transferrin (iron transport) and ceruloplasmin (copper transport).