Guidelines for red blood cell and plasma transfusion for adults and children Volumes of plasma to be administered These guidelines differ from others in not explicitly stating volumes of plasma to be administered. The EWG agreed that published practical guides for appropriate initial-dose volumes in given clinical situations are prudent.2­5 It was recommended that plasma be given in doses calculated to achieve a minimum of 30% of normal concentrations for most plasma factors (usually achieved with administration of 10­15 mL of plasma per kilogram body weight), except for urgent reversal of warfarin anticoagulation, for which 5­8 mL/kg will usually suffice. However, these values are derived not from systematic assessments of therapy, but from synthesis of physiologic measurements of factor concentrations, hemostatic function and clinical observations of the effect of plasma administration on abnormal coagulation. Ongoing clinical and laboratory assessments are necessary to determine subsequent action. Next: Information about infectious risks of transfusion Previous:   Transfusion threshold [Table of Contents] | CMAJ June 1, 1997 (vol 156, no 11) / JAMC le 1er juin 1997 (vol 156, no 11) | CPG Infobase / Infobanque des GPC