UPDATE - 17 October 2023:

We would like to withdraw from the guideline the following section (page 61, under ‘Key Practice point’): ‘Standard coagulation tests should be considered in patients undergoing procedures with a moderate or high bleeding risks, any patients on anticoagulants, or those who have a personal/family bleeding history (1B)’.

For further guidance on coagulation testing prior to procedures or surgery, please refer to the BSH guidance entitled “Assessment and management of bleeding risk prior to invasive procedures’.

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is given primarily for three indications: to prevent bleeding (prophylaxis), stop bleeding (therapeutic) or for plasma exchange. Prophylactic transfusions are mainly used prior to surgery or invasive procedures. Many possible indications in patients without major bleeding are not substantiated by robust trial data.

Declaration of Interests

The BSH paid the expenses incurred during the writing of this guidance. None of the authors had conflicts of interest to declare. All authors have made a declaration of interests to the BSH and Task Force Chairs which may be viewed on request.