At what temperature should cryoprecipitate be stored?

Cryoprecipitate is a blood product rich in clotting factors, particularly fibrinogen, and it is essential in treating patients with clotting disorders. To maintain its functional integrity and prevent degradation of these critical proteins, cryoprecipitate must be stored in very low temperatures.

Storing cryoprecipitate at -18°C or below ensures that it remains stable and retains its effectiveness until it is needed for transfusion. At temperatures higher than this, such as those mentioned in the other options, the structural integrity of the proteins can be compromised. Specific temperature ranges, like 0°C or above, and 2°C to 4°C, are not suitable for the storage of cryoprecipitate because they would not prevent the breakdown of its vital components. Similarly, while -30°C to -20°C could be considered cold enough, the standard practice is to use -18°C as the definitive lower limit for optimum preservation.

In summary, storing cryoprecipitate at -18°C or below effectively prevents the loss of its critical components, ensuring that the product remains safe and effective for therapeutic use.