Storage
As with any medical product, the storage of plasma and plasma-based products is subject to strict guidelines, enforced by Plasvacc and closely monitored by the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority).
Our plasma products are bagged and stored in treatment units of varying volume, dependent upon the plasma/donor type. Each unit has a guaranteed concentration of gamma globulins present.
After collection, plasma treatment units are frozen and stored at our plasma extraction facility. Here they remain for a minimum three-month period stored at temperatures of less than -10 degrees centigrade. During this time, plasma batch samples are thoroughly tested to ensure they are free from blood-borne pathogens, disease, contain no blood cells and carry uniform gamma-globulin concentrations.
Only after three months storage at the Plasvacc facility and extensive quality control testing are treatment units released for sale.
In order to ensure the ongoing quality of your Plasvacc plasma products, it is important to maintain storage standards when the product is in your possession. Upon delivery of a Plasvacc shipment, points to remember include:
- Plasvacc products must remain frozen until required
- Recommended storage temperature varies from product to product – see product label for details
- Treatment units should be handled with care, frozen bags of plasma are easily damaged
- Transfusion ports are breakable, do not handle before thawing
- Thawed treatment units must be used within 21 days of thawing
- Plasma and plasma-based products have a lifespan of 18 months to 3 years from the date of collection, depending upon the product
- Upon receipt of an order, freight to some practices/locations may take up to two days, therefore it is recommended some frozen stock be retained in case of emergency