FFP Transfusion Rate

[RN_007]

Hi, we’re administering convalescent FFP to our COVID patients. FFP is typically infused over 30 minutes. Since it’s blood, I was thinking it should be initially transfused at a slower rate in case of a reaction (although they say a reaction to FFP is typically low). What rate should I start it at? Because if I’m running like say a 250 ml bag of FFP in 30 minutes, wouldn’t it go at a really fast rate of 500 ml/hr?

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Convalescent Plasma Therapy

Quote

Nurses administering convalescent plasma should follow standard blood administration precautions outlined by their specific hospital protocols and monitor their patients closely for potential blood transfusion reactions.

https://www.nursingcenter.com/ncblog/April-2020/convalescent-plasma-therapy-is-it-a-viable-treatme

[zoidberg, BSN, RN]

we run RBC and FFP at 150ml/hr, cryo and platelets run as fast as patient/access can handle. I would say treat it like you are infusing regular ffp, follow your usual policy

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

On 8/21/2020 at 7:27 PM, RN_007 said:

Hi, we’re administering convalescent FFP to our COVID patients. FFP is typically infused over 30 minutes. Since it’s blood, I was thinking it should be initially transfused at a slower rate in case of a reaction (although they say a reaction to FFP is typically low). What rate should I start it at? Because if I’m running like say a 250 ml bag of FFP in 30 minutes, wouldn’t it go at a really fast rate of 500 ml/hr?

My first thought was that 500ml/hr could potentially blow the IV access but then I have to remember those getting it are pretty sick and should have a central line anyways.
Every hospital has a policy and procedure. I would just read up on it, ask questions of supervisor if unclear, and follow appropriate protocol. FFP I remember running pretty fast after initial 15 minutes monitoring at a slower rate for potential reaction.