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The storage of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for short periods at -20 degrees C for 6 weeks, -30 degrees C for 12 weeks, or -40 degrees C for 12 weeks, did not result in significant deterioration in factor VIII: coagulant (factor VIII:C) activity in the primary packs. In studies examining whether plasma segments could be used for quality control purposes, the mean factor VIII:C activity of the primary pack was found to be identical to that of the attached segments of plasma for units of FFP which were thawed within 2 h after preparation. This was also true for FFP units stored at -40 and -60 degrees C for up to 12 weeks. There was, however, a loss in factor VIII:C activity in the segments of FFP units stored at either -20 or -30 degrees C for 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. Thus for units of FFP stored at temperatures colder than -40 degrees C, segments are suitable for assessing the factor VIII:C activity in the primary pack but not for FFP units stored at -20 or -30 degrees C.

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