Plastic bag overwraps are recommended when thawing units of FFP in 37°C water baths because they prevent?

The use of plastic bag overwraps when thawing units of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) in 37°C water baths is primarily aimed at preventing contamination. Specifically, the overwraps protect the entry ports of the FFP bags from being contaminated by water, which may harbor bacteria or other pathogens. Maintaining the sterility of the entry ports is crucial, as any contamination could lead to infections in patients receiving transfusions.

When thawing FFP, the handling must be sterile to prevent introducing any microorganisms into the blood product. Using a plastic bag overwrap serves as a barrier to keep the exposure of the entry ports to potential contaminants at bay while still allowing for efficient thawing of the plasma unit. This practice underscores the importance of aseptic technique in the blood bank and transfusion process, ensuring patient safety.