VIRALLY INACTIVATED FRESH-FROZEN PLASMA

Several technologies are now available to treat whole fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) to inactivate transfusion-transmitted viruses, including pasteurisation, solvent/detergent and methylene blue/light. The first two involve creating large plasma pools prior to inactivation, while only pasteurisation clearly destroys both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Some of the issues surrounding the use of these products include demonstration of both clinical efficacy and improved viral safety, and the need for product licencing. Potential benefits must be balanced against the risks of plasma pooling, while the increased costs will require comparison with other strategies such as quarantining of plasma. It is also recognised that reducing inappropriate FFP usage will play a role in improved patient safety.