Clinicians use blood products for different reasons:

Concentrated red blood cells (CRCs)

CRC transfusions are used to treat excessive bleeding and to improve oxygen delivery to body tissues. CRCs are transfused for acute sickle cell crisis (to prevent stroke), or acute blood loss. Patients with symptomatic anemia are transfused with CRCs if they cannot function without treating the anemia. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, reduced exercise tolerance, shortness of breath, changes in mental status, muscle cramps, and severe congestive heart failure.

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP)

FFP infusion can be used for reversal of anticoagulant effects. Plasma transfusion is recommended in patients with active bleeding or before an invasive procedure or surgery if a patient has been anticoagulated.

Platelets

Platelet transfusion may be indicated to prevent hemorrhage in patients with platelet function defects.

Cryoprecipitate

Cryoprecipitate is prepared by thawing FFP and collecting the precipitate. Cryoprecipitate is used in a medical situation, which most often occurs in the setting of massive hemorrhage. Some of the indications for transfusion of cryoprecipitate include:

• Hemorrhage after cardiac surgery
• Massive hemorrhage or transfusion
• Surgical bleeding