Changes in plasma coagulation factors during blood storage

Changes in plasma coagulation factors during blood storage primarily consist of a gradual reduction in biologic activity. The major exception is the more rapid loss of coagulation factor V and VIII activity due to their lability. By 35 days of storage of whole blood in CPD-Adenine, factor V falls to 15–21% activity and factor VIII 16–20%. Only slight declines are seen in factor II and X during the same time, while other factors, except for factor VII, are virtually unchanged. Factor VII may be activated in the cold, but otherwise declines slightly. In fresh frozen plasma stored for a year only factor VIII declines, and this is reduced by more rapid freezing to lower temperatures. In platelet concentrates, coagulation factors are well maintained, with the exception of the labile factors. Paradoxically, factor V falls more rapidly with room temperature storage and agitation while factor VIII decline is lessened.