What is cryoprecipitate?

Cryoprecipitate is a concentrated blood product derived from fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Each unit (bag) contains roughly 250 mg of fibrinogen, along with factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, factor XIII, and fibronectin. It is used primarily to treat fibrinogen deficiency or dysfunction in bleeding patients.

How much fibrinogen does one unit of cryoprecipitate contain?

Each single unit of cryoprecipitate typically contains 150–300 mg of fibrinogen; 250 mg per unit is the standard clinical approximation used in dosing formulas. This calculator uses 250 mg/unit.

What plasma volume estimate does this calculator use?

Estimated plasma volume is calculated as weight (kg) × 45 mL/kg, which is a common adult approximation. Actual plasma volume varies by sex, body composition, and hematocrit. More precise estimates (e.g., Nadler formula) require hematocrit and height, but 45 mL/kg is the standard bedside shorthand.

What is a critical fibrinogen level?

Clinical guidelines typically consider fibrinogen below 100 mg/dL critically low and requiring replacement. A common target is 150–200 mg/dL for active bleeding and ≥200 mg/dL in obstetric hemorrhage. Targets should always be set by the treating clinician based on the clinical scenario.

Why is the unit count rounded up?

Cryoprecipitate is dispensed in whole units. Since partial units cannot be administered, the calculated dose is always rounded up to the nearest integer to ensure the fibrinogen target is reached.

Is this a substitute for clinical judgment?

No. This calculator provides an educational estimate only. Cryoprecipitate dosing must be guided by a qualified clinician using laboratory results, patient clinical status, institutional protocols, and blood bank availability.

Cryoprecipitate Dose Calculator

Enter patient weight, current fibrinogen, and target fibrinogen to calculate the number of cryoprecipitate units needed.

Patient Parameters

Body Weight

Current Fibrinogen

mg/dL

Target Fibrinogen

mg/dL

Common targets: 150–200 mg/dL (bleeding), ≥200 mg/dL (obstetric)

Fibrinogen per Unit (default 250 mg)

Enter patient parameters and click
Calculate Dose to see results.

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Summary

Cryoprecipitate is a blood product rich in fibrinogen, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, and factor XIII. It is used to treat fibrinogen deficiency (hypofibrinogenemia) in bleeding patients. The standard dose formula estimates the number of units required to raise plasma fibrinogen from a current level to a target level: Units = (Target Fibrinogen − Current Fibrinogen) × Plasma Volume ÷ Fibrinogen per Unit. Estimated plasma volume (EPV) is derived from weight using the Nadler-based approximation (~45 mL/kg for adults). Each unit of cryoprecipitate contains approximately 250 mg of fibrinogen. This calculator is for educational and clinical reference only.

How it works

Enter the patient's weight in kilograms or pounds.
Enter the current (measured) plasma fibrinogen in mg/dL.
Enter the desired target fibrinogen in mg/dL.
The calculator estimates plasma volume as weight (kg) × 45 mL/kg.
Units = (Target − Current) × Plasma Volume (dL) ÷ 250 mg/unit.
The result is rounded up to the nearest whole unit.

Use cases

Estimating cryoprecipitate dose in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
Fibrinogen replacement in massive transfusion protocols.
Pre-operative correction of hypofibrinogenemia before surgery.
Obstetric hemorrhage management when fibrinogen falls critically low.
Trauma resuscitation requiring coagulation factor replacement.
Clinical pharmacology education on blood product dosing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-15 · Reviewed by Nham Vu