Preservation of factor VIII activity in plasma by different freezing techniques, as determined with a chromogenic microtray assay

Abstract

The preservation of factor VIII activity in frozen plasma was studied using three different freezing techniques. Two were conventional methods, i.e. ethanol bath at –40°C, and deep-frozen at -80°C, and the third was a novel air-based -40 °C freezer with metal compartments and snugly fitting flat 750 ml plasma containers. No statistically significant difference in preservation of factor VIII was observed, irrespective of freezing technique, as determined with a chromogenic substrate assay.

Key Words:

• factor VIII recovery
• plasma freezing procedures