When preparing cryoprecipitate from plasma, the cryoprecipitate must be placed in the freezer within how long after removal from the refrigerated centrifuge?

When preparing cryoprecipitate from plasma, it is essential to freeze the precipitate within one hour after removal from the refrigerated centrifuge. This time frame is critical because the components of cryoprecipitate, which include factors such as fibrinogen, factor VIII, and von Willebrand factor, must be preserved to ensure their functionality and efficacy when later thawed and used for transfusion.

Delaying the freezing process can lead to degradation of these factors, diminishing their effectiveness for therapeutic use. The one-hour guideline is established to minimize this risk, ensuring that the cryoprecipitate retains optimal activity when administered to patients needing clotting factor support. Following this protocol ensures compliance with standard blood banking practices to maintain component quality and patient safety.