Measurement of Coagulation Factor Activity and Bacterial Growth in Canine and Feline Fresh Frozen Plasma With Unintended Exposure to Room Temperature.

BACKGROUND: To assess the viability of canine and feline plasma for the purpose of transfusion therapy after freezer malfunction and inadvertent thawing of numerous fresh frozen plasma (FFP) units resulted in prolonged exposure to room temperature. KEY FINDINGS: After a plasma freezer alarm malfunction, numerous units of canine and feline FFP thawed over a period of approximately 10 h. Hemostatic capacity was assessed with measurement of prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and coagulation factor analysis on a representative unit of canine and of feline FFP. Analysis of samples demonstrated normal PT and PTT, with all coagulation factor activities exceeding 70% of reference interval standards. No bacterial growth was noted after this duration of time. SIGNIFICANCE: Hemostatic capacity of representative canine and feline FFP units appeared to remain normal and may be considered a viable transfusion product after exposure to room temperature for up to 10 h and within the circumstances described in this report.