Cryoprecipitate: Particulate matter

Note: A photo of cryoprecipitate with particulate matter is not available. If you see a component with an unusual or atypical appearance, please take a photo (higher resolution is preferred) and share it with us so it may be considered for inclusion in the Visual Inspection Tool. Photos will be credited and only used with permission. 

Particulate matter, as opposed to foreign objects, can be the result of blood collection and/or component manufacturing processes. Composed of platelets, white blood cells, RBCs, and/or fibrin, particulate matter may increase during storage of a plasma unit. There are several categories of particulate matter that may be found within a cryoprecipitate unit: 

• Clots and fibrin strands  
  • Clots and fibrin strands result from the activation of the clotting processes and can be a mixture of clotting proteins (including fibrin) and platelets. Blood is collected and processed in bags that contain anticoagulants to inhibit the clotting processes. Blood components containing clots and / or fibrin strands should NOT be transfused and should be reported to Canadian Blood Services using the feedback form on blood.ca. 
     
• Cellular aggregates 
  • Cellular aggregates may appear as white and opaque masses that do not dissipate with gentle manipulation. Blood components containing cellular aggregates should NOT be transfused and should be reported to Canadian Blood Services. 

Visual appearance 

• Particulate matter may appear as white and opaque masses that do not dissipate with gentle manipulation.