Plasma Freezers

Our extensive range of plasma freezers from CoolerMed and EMSAS operate between -20°C to -40°C.

Their versatility means they can also be used in laboratories to store samples as well as fresh frozen plasma (FFP).

Various sizes are available, from countertop, under bench, to single and double door free standing units. Twin refrigeration systems on some models offer added peace of mind.

What is a plasma freezer?

As the name suggests, a plasma freezer is a scientific-grade freezer specifically designed predominantly for plasma storage.

Once whole blood is donated, it undergoes rigorous testing, separating, and storage procedures at processing centres across the UK. While elements like platelets and red blood components can be stored at an ambient temperature range or refrigerated conditions respectively, frozen blood plasma is almost exclusively stored frozen, as it helps to preserve the clotting factors.

Once fresh plasma is frozen, it can be kept in safe storage for 12 months in either an ultra-low temperature freezer or specific FFP (fresh frozen plasma) blood plasma freezers – depending on the needs and preferences of the blood banks, processing centres, or clinical laboratories.

Benefits of plasma storage in plasma freezers

Thanks to their wide range of benefits, plasma freezers are examples of popular and easy-to-use standard equipment for laboratory, medical, and healthcare settings.

Versatile - the constant temperature range allows for the safe storage of biological samples, fresh frozen plasma, or blood components.
Accessible - many types of plasma freezers are available, including countertop, under-bench, chest freezers, and single or double freestanding units - ideal for providing low or high-volume storage.
Certified - as class IIa medical devices under CEE directive 93/42.
Safe - standard features include microprocessor controls, lockable doors, audiovisual alarms, and environmentally friendly refrigerants.

Full connectivity
7 upright models from 100 litres to 677 litres
1 or 2-door models - with lockable doors
Meets temperature requirements of -20°C, -30°C, and -40°C
Quick temperature pull-down
LCD screen with alarms for high or low temperatures, door open, and power failure

Get in touch for plasma storage

If you need a reliable, high-quality option for plasma storage and are looking for medical devices class II(a), the team at QED Scientific can offer personalised recommendations. So, why not give us a call at 01663 735 494 or email us at info@qedscientific.com?

As an experienced NHS-approved supplier, we understand that the safe storage of plasma or blood components with medical devices is essential - so we'll help in any way we can.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long can fresh frozen plasma be stored in a plasma freezer?

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is the liquid part of blood that can be extracted from donated blood. It is kept frozen so it can be stored safely and used later in patients who:

Have lost a large quantity of blood – plasma transfusion can replace the fluid lost.
Don't have enough clotting factors in their blood because of conditions, such as haemophilia, and can't stop bleeding.
Lose a lot of blood while taking blood thinners (these prevent blood clots – plasma transfusion adds necessary fluids and clotting factors to stop bleeding.)

To keep FFP stable and viable, plasma storage must be kept at -18°C or colder to give it a shelf life of 12 months.

To extend the period of viability to 7 years, FFP should be kept at − 65°C.

Once requested for patient blood transfusion, FFP is thawed in a smart dry plasma thawer at around 37°C for 15 minutes before being given to the patient.

For personalised recommendations for plasma storage, don't hesitate to contact our friendly, knowledgeable team. You can call or email us and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

How to prepare FFP for storage in a plasma freezer

Plasma makes up the largest proportion of blood, around 55% of total blood volume and is made up of water, lipids, salts, and hormones.

Plasma is separated from whole blood using centrifugation, which forces the denser, heavier particles to the outer edges of the sample. This creates three layers of differing densities, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, then the plasma. This allows for plasma to be removed and frozen, to make it last longer.

FFP bags are generally stored upright once frozen, either in baskets or directly on the freezer shelves – however, if you would prefer to store them horizontally you can, it doesn't affect the quality of the FFP inside.

For more information about how to keep your FFP in the best condition for future transfusion, contact us today here at QED Scientific. You can fill in our online contact form or give us a call on 01663 735 494.

Do plasma freezers have any safeguarding features?

To ensure FFP is safe for use for all patients, plasma freezers use a selection of safeguarding features that alert laboratory staff to changes or malfunctions within the freezer.

These features, understandably, are considered essential for most laboratories.

Here at QED Scientific, our range of plasma freezers includes safety features such as:

Accurate digital temperature controls – to allow for precise temperature setting.
Lockable doors – remove the chance of the door not closing properly ever again.
Minimum and maximum temperature memory – providing peace of mind for laboratory staff as they can check the historic temperature of the freezer.
Multiple alarms – including temperature, door, and mains fail alarms.

To find out how our plasma freezers can safeguard your stock of FFP and other frozen samples, you can email or call us today to speak to our experts.