Plasma: Particulate matter

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Example(s) of typical appearance
Example(s) of a change in appearance

Particulate matter can be the result of blood collection and / or component manufacturing processes.  Composed of platelets, white blood cells, RBCs, and / or in some instances fibrin, particulate matter may increase during storage of a plasma unit. There are several categories of particulate matter that may be found within a plasma 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. Plasma containing clots and/or fibrin strands should NOT be transfused and should be reported to Canadian Blood Services. 
       
  • Cellular aggregates  
    • Cellular aggregates may appear as white and opaque masses that do not dissipate with gentle manipulation. Plasma containing cellular aggregates should NOT be transfused and should be reported to Canadian Blood Services using the feedback form on blood.ca. 

Visual appearance 

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