Plasma Power

Plasma-derived therapies: how your donation makes a difference

Plasma Power

Plasma-derived therapies: how your donation makes a difference

October 9, 2024

Every day, plasma-derived therapies save or dramatically improve the lives of thousands of people. Plasma is rich in proteins and antibodies that are essential for treating a wide range of health conditions. By donating plasma, you play a pivotal role in creating these life-saving treatments, helping people manage chronic illnesses, recover from serious conditions, and even survive life-threatening emergencies.

In this article, we’ll show you why plasma donations are needed and how your contribution makes a real difference, inspiring you to donate regularly and support these vital therapies.

What are plasma-derived therapies?

Plasma-derived therapies are treatments made from the proteins and antibodies found in plasma, the liquid part of blood. These therapies are essential for people with conditions like immune system disorders, rare diseases, and serious conditions such as hemophilia. After donation, plasma is processed to extract key components like immunoglobulins, clotting factors, and albumin, which are used to create medications.

Your plasma donation has a direct impact on people’s lives. Many individuals who rely on plasma-derived therapies have conditions that would otherwise severely limit their quality of life or even be fatal. For instance:

  • Immunoglobulin therapies for immune system support.
  • Clotting factor concentrates for blood clotting disorders like hemophilia.
  • Albumin-based treatments for burn victims and trauma patients.

Types of plasma-derived therapies

The types of plasma-derived therapies include treatments that utilize the vital components found in plasma, such as proteins and antibodies, to treat various medical conditions.

Therapies for rare diseases

One powerful example is the treatment for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a rare genetic disorder that can lead to severe lung and liver disease. Patients with this condition lack a critical protein that protects their tissues from damage. Plasma-derived therapies replace this missing protein, helping prevent lung damage and improve overall health.

Immune system support

Immunoglobulin therapies are another key plasma-derived treatment. They provide antibodies to people with immune deficiencies, like those with Primary Immunodeficiency (PI) or autoimmune disorders, who otherwise can’t fight infections effectively. By strengthening the immune system, these therapies offer crucial protection and help improve patients’ quality of life and avoid recurrent and severe infections.

Blood clotting disorders

Plasma-derived clotting factors are vital for treating blood clotting disorders like hemophilia. Hemophilia prevents blood from clotting properly, which means patients need regular infusions of these clotting factors, derived from plasma, to manage bleeding and prevent joint damage, internal bleeding, and other serious complications associated with the disorder.

The role of plasma donors

Unlike synthetic drugs, plasma-derived therapies can’t be made in a lab. They rely on human plasma, which is why regular donations are so critical. Plasma can’t be stockpiled for long, and turning plasma into life-saving treatments is a complex, time-consuming process. This means that the supply of plasma must remain constant to keep up with healthcare demands.

Becoming a plasma donor is a generous act that directly contributes to the development of plasma-derived therapies. The process typically takes about 90 minutes, and you can donate more frequently than whole blood, allowing you to make an even greater impact over time. If you’re healthy, between 18 and 65 years old, weigh at least 50 kg, and pass a health screening, you can help patients through plasma donation.

Why plasma-derived therapies are essential

Plasma-derived therapies are not just treatments – they are lifelines for people with chronic illnesses, immune disorders, and life-threatening conditions. Plasma donation supports vulnerable populations, including those with chronic, genetic, or rare diseases, providing a vital source of medicine for patients who would otherwise have limited treatment options.

By donating plasma regularly, you are helping to sustain a global healthcare system that relies on plasma to develop life-saving treatments. Your donation is more than just an act of kindness—it’s a gift that truly improves lives.

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Plasma donation: a lifeline for patients with immune disorders

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Plasma donation: a lifeline for patients with immune disorders

Plasma donation is a vital lifeline for patients with immune disorders, providing essential components for life-saving treatments. In this article, we will explore how plasma therapy supports individuals with conditions like primary immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases, as well as the role of therapeutic plasma exchange. By understanding the impact of plasma in bolstering the immune system, we’ll highlight how your donation could make all the difference for someone battling an immune disorder.

What are immune disorders?

Immune disorders are conditions that affect the body’s immune system, either by weakening it or causing it to malfunction. These disorders can be broadly classified into two main categories: immunodeficiencies (which include primary and secondary immunodeficiency diseases) and autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDD)

Primary immunodeficiency (PIDD) refers to a group of over 400 disorders caused by inherited or genetic defects in the immune system. These defects lead to a weakened immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections, autoimmune disorders, and certain types of cancer.

Some common types of PIDD include:

  • Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), characterized by low levels of antibodies and recurrent infections;
  • Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), a life-threatening condition that leaves infants vulnerable to infections;
  • X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia (XLA), causes a lack of mature B cells and low levels of antibodies.

The role of plasma in treating immune disorders

Plasma contains a variety of essential proteins and antibodies that play crucial roles in immune function and blood clotting. Some key components of plasma include immunoglobulins, antibodies that help fight infections, and clotting factors, proteins that aid in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.

Plasma-derived therapies are treatments made from the proteins and antibodies found in donated plasma. These therapies are used to treat a variety of conditions, including immune disorders.

One of the most common plasma-derived therapies for immune disorders is immunoglobulin replacement therapy. This treatment involves administering concentrated antibodies to patients with PIDD or certain autoimmune diseases to boost their immune response and prevent infections.

How plasma donation supports immune disorder treatments?

Plasma is collected from volunteer donors through a process called plasmapheresis. During this procedure, blood is drawn from the donor’s arm and passed through a machine that separates the plasma from the other blood components. The plasma is then collected, and the remaining blood components are returned to the donor.

Once collected, the plasma undergoes a rigorous process of testing, fractionation, and purification to ensure its safety and efficacy. This process involves removing any potential contaminants and concentrating the desired proteins and antibodies.

After processing, the plasma-derived products are distributed to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies around the world. These products are then administered to patients with immune disorders as part of their treatment plan.

The impact of plasma-derived therapies on patients with immune disorders

For patients with immune disorders, plasma-derived therapies can significantly improve their quality of life by reducing the frequency and severity of infections, alleviating symptoms, and allowing them to lead more active and fulfilling lives.

In some cases, these therapies are critical in saving lives. For example, infants with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) require immediate treatment to survive, and immunoglobulin replacement therapy is often the only way to boost their weakened immune systems.

As more people are diagnosed with immune disorders and the population continues to grow, the demand for plasma-derived therapies is steadily increasing. However, the supply of plasma is not keeping up with this demand, leading to shortages and delays in treatment.

To ensure that patients with immune disorders have access to the treatments they need, it’s crucial to encourage more people to donate plasma. By donating plasma regularly, you can make a significant impact on the lives of those battling these challenging conditions.

Plasma donation is an essential part of the treatment process for patients with immune disorders, providing life-saving therapies for conditions like primary immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases. By understanding the role of plasma, including therapeutic plasma exchange, and its profound impact on patients’ lives, we hope to inspire more people to consider becoming plasma donors.

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5 things you didn’t know about blood plasma

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5 things you didn’t know about blood plasma

October 8, 2024

Plasma is a part of your blood and plays a crucial role in medical treatments. Here are five surprising facts about it to understand its importance and how plasma derived therapies are saving lives.

Plasma, the liquid part of your blood, does a lot of heavy lifting to keep your body running smoothly. It contains clotting factors and antibodies and carries nutrients, hormones, and oxygen, while also helping remove waste. Plasma is essential in treating conditions like blood loss and to treat autoimmune diseases. But plasma has even more fascinating roles that you might not know about. Here are five facts about plasma and plasma-donation that could surprise you.

bag of donated plasma

Fact 1: plasma makes up over half of your blood

Did you know that plasma makes up to 55% of your blood? It’s the light-yellow liquid part that carries everything from nutrients to antibodies. Plasma is mostly water (around 91-92%) but also contains important solids like:

  • coagulants, which enhance coagulation;

  • antibodies, which enhance the immune response;

  • salts, such as sodium, calcium, and potassium;

  • proteins, such as albumin.

Your body forms plasma by absorbing water and salts through digestion – no organs are needed to make it.

Fact 2: plasma is a universal transport system

Think of plasma as your body’s ultimate delivery system. It transports essential substances like:

  • nutrients, such as amino acids, proteins, and vitamins;

  • hormones;

 

  • oxygen.

Plasma also helps get rid of waste products and keeps your body’s salt levels balanced, a process called homeostasis, which is key to staying healthy.

Fact 3: plasma can be stored for over a year

Plasma donation is made possible thanks to a special process called apheresis, where a machine collects only the plasma but returns the rest of your blood back to you.

Once collected, plasma is frozen within 24 hours, to keep all the components and properties intact.

The great thing about plasma? It can be stored for up to a year! Once thawed, though, it needs to be used within 24 hours to stay safe and effective.

Fact 4: plasma donation is different from blood donation

Plasma donation is quite different from donating blood. When you donate blood, the whole thing is taken, but with plasma, only the liquid portion is collected through a process called plasmapheresis. Because plasma is so abundant and regenerates quickly, you can donate plasma more often than blood – every week compared to every eight for blood donations.

Before donating plasma, it’s important to be in good health. You might need to wait if you’ve recently had a tattoo or certain medical procedures, but your donation still makes a big difference. In fact, each donation comes with a health screening, which is good for you and the people relying on your plasma.

Fact 5: plasma is used in more medical treatments than you think

Plasma plays a huge role in medicine and is used in a variety of life-saving treatments, for situations and conditions that include:

  • emergencies like trauma and blood loss;

  • clotting disorders like hemophilia;

  • autoimmune diseases.

Special programs, like the Anti-D program for newborns with hemolytic disease, also rely on plasma. And beyond that, plasma is crucial for research into new treatments and better patient care.

Five insights about blood plasma

In conclusion, plasma does more than you may think:

  • it is the largest part of your blood;

  • it is a fundamental transport system in your body;

  • it can be stored for up to a year;

  • plasma donation is different from blood donation;

  • it can be used to treat trauma, immune deficiencies and clotting disorders, and supports cutting-edge research.

Donating plasma is an incredible way to help others. If you’re in good health, consider donating and making a life-saving difference today. Share these facts to inspire even more people to give!

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Harnessing healing: the role of convalescent plasma in modern medicine

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Harnessing healing: the role of convalescent plasma in modern medicine

August 22, 2024

Occasionally positives can be drawn from negative situations: a perfect example is convalescent plasma, a type of blood plasma collected from individuals who have recovered from a specific infection, such as COVID-19. Let’s explore how this type of plasma can help others with similar infections.

Composition and therapeutic potential

Convalescent plasma is composed of antibodies, proteins produced by the immune system in response to infection, which can be used to treat others who are still infected. These antibodies are specific to the virus and can neutralize it, preventing it from causing harm. 

The therapeutic potential of convalescent plasma is mediated by these antibodies and lies in its ability to provide passive immunity, neutralize the virus, and prevent severe complications.

Differences between specialty plasma and convalescent plasma

Convalescent plasma can be confused with specialty plasma, but its composition and therapeutic potential differ. 

Specialty plasma refers to plasma collected from donors who have been vaccinated for certain illnesses or have particular characteristics – such as being Rh-Negative. This type of plasma is particularly valuable for medical treatments because these donors have developed essential antibodies mainly through vaccination. Additionally, their plasma contains clotting factors and proteins that help regulate blood pressure, volume, and acid-base balance. 

On the other hand, convalescent plasma is a specific type of plasma collected from individuals who have recovered from a specific infection, such as COVID-19. It contains high levels of specific antibodies, collected after recovery, that can help fight the infection.  

The collection process of convalescent plasma

The collection process for convalescent plasma involves three steps:

  1. Donor eligibility and screening: to be a potential donor, you must meet specific eligibility criteria for plasma donation. Additionally, after 2020 you must have recovered from COVID-19 and been vaccinated against the virus. 
  2. Plasma extraction and preparation: your plasma is extracted and prepared for transfusion. Next, the plasma is centrifuged and filtered to separate the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These components are then returned to you.
  3. Ready for transfusion: your plasma is ready to be given by transfusion to those in need.

Use of convalescent plasma in COVID-19 treatment

Convalescent plasma has been used to treat severe or life-threatening complications from COVID-19. Research indicates that it can reduce mortality rates in patients with moderate to severe cases of the disease, especially when administered early in the course of the illness. Studies suggest that people treated with convalescent plasma within the first few days of contracting COVID-19 symptoms are 30% to 50% less likely to be hospitalized with severe illness.

Additionally, convalescent plasma has been used to treat immunocompromised patients, who are at higher risk of developing severe disease.

Other uses of convalescent plasma

Convalescent plasma has been used to treat a variety of severe or life-threatening complications beyond COVID-19. Some examples include:

  1. Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever, which is caused by the Junín virus;
  2. Ebola;
  3. H1N1 Influenza, particularly in high-risk populations such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions;
  4. Haemophilus influenza B (Hib), also known as Hib meningitis, and other invasive Hib infections;
  5. Pneumococcal Disease;
  6. Meningococcal Disease;
  7. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Comparison with monoclonal antibody therapies

Convalescent plasma has also been compared to monoclonal antibody therapies, which are designed to target specific parts of the virus. While monoclonal antibodies can be effective against specific strains of the virus, they may not be effective against newer variants. 

Convalescent plasma, on the other hand, contains antibodies adapted to the specific strain of the virus, making it a more effective treatment option.

Convalescent plasma has emerged as a valuable tool in the fight against COVID-19. Its therapeutic potential lies in its ability to provide passive immunity, neutralize the virus, and prevent severe complications. As different kinds of viruses evolve, convalescent plasma remains an important option for treating severe or life-threatening complications from COVID-19 and other similar diseases.

FAQs

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Life-saving transfusions in emergency medicine

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Life-saving transfusions in emergency medicine

In the realm of emergency medicine, few interventions are as important and immediate in their impact as blood transfusions. These procedures, which involve the transfer of blood or blood components from a donor to a recipient, are pivotal in managing a variety of life-threatening conditions, including trauma, major surgeries, and severe anemia.

In particular, plasma transfusions play a crucial role in emergency medicine.

Here is a detailed overview of their role.

What are transfusions?

Transfusions are a life-saving therapy:

  • In case of traumatic events, such as accidents and many surgical procedures;
  • In case of chronic diseases, for example, in congenital anemias like thalassemia;
  • For overcoming critical conditions due to blood diseases, like leukemia;
  • For mitigating the effects of certain anti-cancer therapies (e.g., chemotherapy).

The use of blood components (red blood cells, platelets) and plasma in surgery can vary depending on the type of surgical intervention and its complexity, as in the case of organ transplants.

The transfusion procedure

A transfusion involves intravenously infusing red blood cells, plasma, or platelets into a person (called the recipient) taken from an individual who has voluntarily donated blood (the donor). During the transfusion, a small needle is inserted into a vein of the person receiving the transfusion to allow the component contained in the bag to enter the bloodstream.

The duration of a blood transfusion depends on the type of blood component being administered. Initially, the nurse will start the transfusion slowly, monitoring you closely for the first 15 minutes to ensure there are no adverse reactions. If no complications arise, the infusion rate can be increased according to the doctor’s discretion and the patient’s condition.

The role of plasma

Plasma, the liquid component of blood that constitutes about 55% of total blood volume, is fundamental for maintaining fluid balance and transporting nutrients, hormones, and proteins necessary for blood coagulation. 

Plasma is composed primarily of water (about 90%), but it also contains essential proteins (such as albumin, globulins, and clotting factors), electrolytes, nutrients, cellular waste, and other molecules. Its main functions are:

  1. Blood coagulation: plasma contains various factors that are crucial for the coagulation process, which help stop bleeding;
  2. Transport of substances: plasma serves as a transport medium in the blood for cells, nutrients, hormones, and proteins, maintaining the body’s physiological balance;
  3. Regulation of blood volume and pressure: the presence of proteins like albumin helps maintain osmotic pressure, which is essential for regulating blood volume and blood pressure.

The importance of plasma transfusion

Blood and blood components are considered drugs because they are used in the treatment of diseases. In some surgical procedures, significant blood loss can be anticipated, and there is always the potential for unexpected blood loss during any type of surgery.

Why would someone need a plasma transfusion? Plasma transfusion services are a vital and integral part of modern health care because fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is used to replace missing or low levels of blood proteins in a range of medical and surgical situations.

Plasma transfusion primarily serves to correct deficiencies of coagulation factors for which there is no specific replacement therapy, or in cases of deficiency of multiple coagulation factors in patients with ongoing bleeding.

In particular, plasma transfusions are indicated in a variety of clinical conditions, including:

  1. Coagulopathies: in patients with coagulation disorders (such as hemophilia or liver diseases), plasma is used to provide the missing coagulation factors;
  2. Massive transfusions: during massive transfusions, often necessary in severe trauma or complex surgical procedures, plasma is transfused to replace coagulation factors and prevent bleeding;
  3. Treatment of severe burns: in patients with extensive burns, plasma helps maintain blood volume and prevent hemorrhagic shock.

In summary, if you have low levels of blood proteins due to a medical condition like liver disease, heart surgery, or severe blood loss, a plasma transfusion may help. Plasma donations are essential for a wide range of medical treatments that save lives and improve the quality of life for many people suffering from serious and chronic illnesses. Plasma donations are truly life-saving acts!

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Plasma journey: from donation to treatment

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Plasma journey: from donation to treatment

July 3, 2024

Plasma is not just a vital component of blood—it’s a cornerstone in modern medicine, made possible by the selflessness of donors like you. Donating plasma is a simple, painless, and safe gesture: it plays a crucial role in the production of life-saving medications for the treatment of severe and rare diseases. When you decide to donate plasma, you are starting a journey that extends far beyond the donation chair. Your contribution becomes a crucial resource that has a profound impact on numerous lives.

What is a plasma donation?

The journey of plasma starts with your donation. The donation process itself is relatively simple and very similar to donating blood. After completing the necessary paperwork and undergoing a health screening to confirm your eligibility to donate, you will be seated in a reclined chair for the actual donation. During this process, your blood is drawn, and the plasma is separated from the other components using a specific machine. At the end of the procedure, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets will be returned to you via the machine. The volume of fluid lost during donation is replenished through natural recovery mechanisms, the infusion of saline solution, and fluid intake.

Donating plasma is a simple, painless, and safe gesture

What happens to plasma after donation

Immediately after your donation, the collected plasma undergoes a series of crucial steps to prepare it for further treatments. First and foremost, it is carefully examined and tested to ensure its safety and quality. Any plasma that doesn’t meet the high standards is discarded. Once approved, the plasma undergoes a process called “fractionation” that separates plasma into its individual components, such as antibodies, clotting factors, and albumin. Each of these components serves a specific purpose in medicine and is carefully extracted for further treatments. Once fractionated, the individual components of plasma are purified to remove any impurities or contaminants. This purification process is essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of the final products.

What is plasma used for when donated

Have you ever wondered why donating plasma is so important? Here is why:

  • Plasma is a precious resource used to produce life-saving medications that improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. Without plasma donors, many individuals suffering from severe or rare diseases would not have access to the treatments they need.
  • Plasma is essential for treating patients with severe burns, trauma, and other medical emergencies. Its components can restore blood volume and provide vital substances that contribute to healing.
  • Donating plasma can have a significant impact on the scientific community, as it provides an essential resource for medical research. Without plasma donors, many healthcare institutions and research programs would be compromised in their ability to provide high-quality care and promote the advancement of medical science.

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Rare diseases and plasma donations: a ray of hope

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Rare diseases and plasma donations: a ray of hope

Plasma donation holds a pivotal role in treating rare diseases and most importantly improving countless lives. These conditions, affecting a small but significant portion of our population, pose meaningful challenges in diagnosis and treatment. The resulting health complications can be severe, and in some cases, life-threatening. However, there is hope.

In this article, we will discuss the safety and critical importance of plasma donation, its role in rare disease treatment, and the impactful difference you can make by donating.

Understanding rare diseases

Imagine living with a condition so rare that finding treatment feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. That is the reality for individuals affected by rare diseases, where each diagnosis is as unique as the person it impacts: fewer than 1 in 2,000 people are affected by these illnesses. 

The rarity of these diseases complicates research and treatment, leaving many to contend with significant health complications. However, the power of plasma donation is changing this narrative, offering new hope and possibilities for treatment.

Each year, on the last day of February, we observe Rare Disease Day to raise awareness about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives. This day is important to foster understanding and promoting the importance of plasma donations in treating these conditions.

pinpoints

The role of plasma in rare disease treatment

Plasma, the liquid component of blood, carries essential proteins and other substances that are necessary for your overall health. It is utilized to create plasma-derived therapies, which are specially designed to treat rare conditions by replenishing missing or deficient proteins in a patient’s blood.

These therapies are often the only option available and are crucial for restoring balance to the proteins in the blood, which is vital for maintaining good health. 

The list of plasma-derived therapies is extensive and continually evolving, highlighting the immense strategic value of plasma in medical treatment.

Rare diseases that benefit from plasma donations

Plasma donations play a vital role in treating a variety of rare diseases, particularly those affecting the immune system. Consider the life-changing impact of plasma-derived treatments for conditions like:

  • Hemophilia A and B, hereditary bleeding disorders, which are caused by a lack of two clotting factors;
  • Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AAT), one of the most common serious hereditary disorders in the world (affecting about 1 in 2,000 people) that can result in life-threatening lung and liver diseases;
  • Hereditary Angioedema, caused by a missing inhibitor protein that helps regulate inflammation;
  • Primary Immunodeficiency Disease (PID), a genetic condition that prevents an individual’s immune system from functioning properly;
  • Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system, causing weakness or even paralysis of the nerves in the arms and legs;
  • Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an autoimmune blood disorder that reduces blood platelet levels, essential for blood clotting;
  • Kawasaki Disease, a condition that is a leading cause of acquired heart disease and primarily affects children under the age of five.

The impact of plasma donation and advances in plasma therapy

The need for plasma donations has never been more critical. For instance, it takes 130 donations to treat one person with Primary Immunodeficiency Disease for a year. Conditions like Hemophilia require an average of 1,200 donations to treat a patient for a year. Your commitment to donating plasma can ensure a steady supply of life-saving therapies for those in dire need.

Recent advances in plasma therapy have improved treatment outcomes for rare disease patients. For instance, a new therapy, called subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) therapy, allows patients to administer immunoglobulin at home through a small needle under the skin. This therapy improves patients’ quality of life, as they no longer need to visit hospitals or clinics for regular intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusions.

How you can make a difference

Joining the ranks of plasma donors means stepping into a community of lifesavers. If you are considering donating, here is how you can start:

  • meet the plasma donation requirements: ensure you are in good health, over 18, and meet necessary weight and ID criteria
  • understand the process: plasma donation is a safe, clinical procedure that you can undergo regularly
  • see the impact: your plasma can treat numerous patients, significantly enhancing their quality of life

Plasma donation is a straightforward way to contribute to a greater cause. For more information or to address any concerns you might have, visit your nearest donation center. Your commitment can turn the tide for those who face the challenge of battling a rare disease daily.

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What is plasma used for?

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What is plasma used for?

April 10, 2024

Plasma is an important part of your blood that can be donated. But what is donated plasma used for?

a nurse extracting plasma from a patient's body

Plasma is the liquid part of your blood. It contains water and a small yet crucial portion of solid substances, such as proteins and antibodies. You can donate plasma along with whole blood or on its own. Plasma donations are vital for shock and trauma treatments, and are also used to make life-saving medicines. Let’s discover the many uses of plasma in medicine.

What is plasma?

Plasma is a part of your blood, specifically the liquid one. In fact, 91-92% of it is water. The remaining percentage of plasma contains vital substances. In particular, these include:

Clotting factors, such as fibrinogen. They give the blood the right consistency and fluidity

 

Proteins, such as albumin. These have many functions in the body, including transporting oxygen in the blood, contributing to immune function, and enabling digestion

Minerals: They do not provide energy itself but help the organic mechanisms that produce the energy we need

Plasma provides nutrients, enzymes, and hormones to the body and helps remove waste.

Although it is an often-forgotten part of blood, it is the largest one, and its role, when donated, is often life-saving.

What is plasma used for in medicine?

The use of plasma in medicine reached a turning point during World War II when its benefits became clear. It is easier to transport than blood and particularly suitable for shock treatment, such as burns and wounds.

Today, plasma is not only used for emergency treatments but also for chronic, rare, and autoimmune diseases and research.

Your plasma donation can be used for many purposes. Here are some of its most frequent uses:

Accident victims with burns or blood loss from injuries

Excessive bleeding after surgery

People with autoimmune diseases

Amyloid light-chain amyloidosis: a group of rare diseases that cause dysfunctions and organic insufficiencies that can be fatal

Hemophilia: a rare genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of certain blood clotting proteins. A person suffering from a bleeding disorder will have an increased tendency to bleed externally and internally, both spontaneously and after trauma

Myeloma: a type of cancer involving plasma cells

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a rare and genetic blood disorder. It causes a dangerous reduction in the oxygen supply to various organs

Von Willebrand disease: a condition that makes it more difficult for the blood to clot, causing bleeds that last for extended periods of time

Plasma transfusions help with excessive bleeding, and both its proteins and its antibodies can help treat the serious and chronic conditions just mentioned. Typically in these cases, the patient undergoes a treatment called plasmapheresis: the removal, return, or exchange of plasma. This is done with the help of a special machine.

However, the use of plasma for research purposes is equally important, since plasma-derived medicinal products are developed thanks to it.

In conclusion, the plasma you donate is essential for emergencies, but also to help provide the key ingredient for therapies that improve the quality of life of patients suffering from various rare, chronic, autoimmune and genetic diseases.

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What does plasma do for your body?

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What does plasma do for your body?

Plasma is the largest component of blood and performs many vital functions. What is plasma essential for?

a woman holding a plastic container with plasma inside

Blood is essential to our bodies: it carries nutrients such as fats, proteins, and sugars, removes waste products, helps heal wounds, and distributes heat. Blood has many components, most notably a liquid part called plasma and a solid part that contains red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The latter are the best known, but plasma itself plays a fundamental role too. What is it made up of, and what does it do for your body?

The difference between blood and plasma

Whole blood flows through our veins, and it makes up about 7-8% of our body’s weight. Typically, the male body contains up to 12 pints of blood, while the female body contains up to 9 pints.

Whole blood contains:

Plasma

Blood cells include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets

Therefore “blood” refers to the solid part, and “plasma” refers to the liquid part. The difference between blood and plasma is important when donating: you can donate whole blood or just a part of it, plasma.

Both whole blood and plasma are in high demand, especially in emergency medicine: they are often needed to treat trauma, injuries, and burns.

In addition to helping in cases of emergencies, plasma is also used in the treatment and research of rare, chronic, and autoimmune diseases.

Where does plasma come from?

Plasma is first formed in the embryo thanks to the umbilical cord. As the body develops, plasma proteins form in the soft tissue of the bones, called bone marrow. Plasma cells regenerate quickly, so donating plasma is completely safe. 

The main component of plasma is water, and it comes from the water absorbed through the digestive system.

When separated from the rest of your blood, it appears like a yellowish liquid that has the color of straw.

What does plasma contain?

As we have seen, plasma is the liquid part of the blood, so its main component is water. It makes up for 91-92% of plasma, which is why drinking plenty of water after a plasma donation is highly recommended.

The remaining 7-8% contains several substances essential for your health and for the well-being of your body. It consists of:

Nutrients, such as proteins, fats and sugars

 

Coagulants that help the clotting process

Immunoglobulins that help fight infections and pathogens in general

A small amount of: enzymes, hormones, vitamins

What does the plasma in your blood do?

Both whole blood and plasma play a fundamental role in the functioning of our bodies. Specifically, plasma is responsible for:

Blood coagulation to help your wounds or cuts to heal

Defense against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi because it contains antibodies, a special type of proteins that keep you from getting sick

Transport of nutrients, minerals, and hormones that fuel your body and regulate functions such as sleep, fatigue, and hunger

Body temperature regulation, which needs to be stable

Removal of waste products: your blood is like a river that carries waste products to organs such as the liver or kidneys for elimination

Plasma performs incredible functions for the body. By donating this precious ‘life-source’ you are helping people who have suffered some kind of trauma or whose own plasma cells don’t function as they should. Your donation helps re-regulate these fundamental processes, greatly improving the quality of life of patients worldwide.

FAQs

Do you still have doubts about plasma donation? Our FAQs section will hopefully clear them up. Remember that our medical team and staff is always there to answer all your questions in person.
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