When it comes to blood transfusion, every component serves a different purpose. While red cells carry oxygen and platelets stop bleeding, there is another lesser-known but highly valuable component—Cryoprecipitate (Cryo).
What Is Cryoprecipitate?
Cryoprecipitate is a protein-rich part of plasma that is prepared by slowly thawing Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP). During this process, certain important clotting factors remain at the bottom, which are then collected as cryoprecipitate.
This unique blood product is small in volume but very powerful, as it contains clotting factors (like Factor VIII, XIII, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor) that are essential for blood clotting.
When Do Doctors Use Cryo?
Cryoprecipitate is commonly used when patients need clotting support and other treatments are not enough. It is recommended for:
Hemophilia A (Factor VIII deficiency)
Von Willebrand Disease (rare bleeding disorder)
Massive blood loss in trauma or surgery
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
Your Role as a Donor
When you donate blood, plasma is separated and can be used to make Cryoprecipitate. Though small in volume, this component often becomes a lifeline in critical bleeding situations.
At Jeevan Rekha Hospital Blood Centre, we ensure safe preparation and timely transfusion of Cryoprecipitate to patients who need this special blood factor.