Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) Dose Calculator
Calculates volume and number of units of fresh frozen plasma required for coagulopathy correction. Each FFP unit in the UK is approximately 280 mL. Standard dose is 12-15 mL/kg for active bleeding with coagulopathy. Note: 4-factor PCC (Beriplex/Octaplex) is preferred over FFP for urgent warfarin reversal.
Score interpretation
Moderate dose FFP -- 1-4 units
→ Administer IV over 30 minutes per unit; ABO-compatible FFP required; recheck clotting 30-60 minutes post-infusion; consider 4-factor PCC for urgent warfarin reversal (much more effective); document consent and batch numbers.
High dose FFP -- haematology input advised
→ Discuss with haematologist; large FFP volume carries TACO risk; administer concurrently with red cells 1:1 in massive haemorrhage; check fibrinogen -- if below 1.5 g/L add 2 pools cryoprecipitate; TEG/ROTEM guidance preferred; notify ICU.
Very large FFP requirement -- activate MHP
→ Activate massive haemorrhage protocol; administer in 1:1:1 ratio (RBC:FFP:platelets) with cryoprecipitate every 6-8 units RBCs or per ROTEM; liaise with transfusion laboratory for emergency issue; senior haematologist and anaesthetist involvement; consider fibrinogen concentrate to correct fibrinogen rapidly.
Interpretation bands for the FFP Dose. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- NICE NG24. Blood transfusion. NICE. 2015 (updated 2023).
- BCSH. Guidelines for the use of fresh-frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate and cryosupernatant. Br J Haematol. 2004;126(1):11-28.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Corrected Count Increment (CCI) for Platelet Transfusion · Transfusion Medicine
- ABC Score for Massive Transfusion · Transfusion Medicine
- Maximum Allowable Blood Loss · Transfusion Medicine
- Blood Volume Calculation (Nadler Formula) · Transfusion Medicine
- Sickle Cell Exchange Transfusion Volume · Transfusion Medicine
- Cryoprecipitate Dose Calculator for Fibrinogen Replacement · Transfusion Medicine
- Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) · Blood component
- Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC) · Coagulation Factor Concentrate — Warfarin Reversal
- Neostigmine · Anticholinesterase (Reversal Agent)
- Sugammadex · Selective Neuromuscular Blockade Reversal Agent
- Dopamine (ICU — Vasopressor/Inotrope) · Catecholamine (Dose-Dependent Vasopressor/Inotrope)
- Protamine Sulphate · Heparin Reversal Agent
- Major Haemorrhage / Massive Transfusion · BCSH; RCOA; RCEM; RCS — BCSH Guidelines
- Anaemia Investigation · BSH / NICE
- Splenomegaly Workup · BSH; BMJ Best Practice
- Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnosis and Treatment · NICE CG144 / NICE NG158
- Sickle Cell Crisis · BSH 2021 / BCSH
- Neutropenic Sepsis · NICE CG151 2012 / ESMO
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.