Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) ASCP Practice Exam

Cryoprecipitated AHF, or cryoprecipitate antihemophilic factor, contains the highest concentration of Factor VIII relative to its volume. This component is derived from fresh frozen plasma through a process of thawing and re-centrifuging, leading to the precipitation of various clotting factors, particularly fibrinogen, Factor XIII, and Factor VIII, along with von Willebrand factor.

The significance of cryoprecipitate in clinical settings is linked to its use in treating patients with hemophilia A and other bleeding disorders, where Factor VIII levels are deficient. Because cryoprecipitate is concentrated, even a small volume is effective in significantly elevating Factor VIII levels in the recipient’s bloodstream compared to other blood components.

Fresh frozen plasma does contain Factor VIII but is less concentrated than cryoprecipitate since it contains numerous other plasma proteins and factors, diluting the relative amount of any single factor. Whole blood contains all components of blood in their natural proportions, but due to its volume, the concentration of any specific factor such as Factor VIII is lower than in cryoprecipitate. Platelet concentrates mainly contain platelets and are primarily used for addressing thrombocytopenia, thus they do not provide