What are the uses and applications of donated plasma?

Our blood is a fluid connective tissue comprising four components: plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Plasma is the yellowish liquid component of blood that remains when red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are removed and when clotting is prevented by adding an anticoagulant. Serum is what remains after the blood has clotted.

This article tells you about blood plasma, its functions, and its importance in medical research and public health.

What Does Plasma Contain?

Blood Plasma Is A Mixture Of The Following Components:

Water: Water forms the primary element of plasma (about 92 percent water). The water in the plasma fills up blood vessels and helps move blood and other nutrients through the heart to circulate round the body.

Proteins: Essentially, there are two important proteins in plasma: albumin and fibrinogen. Albumin is essential to maintain a fluid balance or oncotic pressure in the blood, preventing fluid from leaking into areas of the body and skin where less fluid gets collected. Fibrinogen is vital to the blood-clotting process as it helps reduce active bleeding.

Immunoglobulins: The gamma globulins present in plasma help the body stave off infections.

Electrolytes: Commonly known as salts, electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium play a vital role in the body. When electrolyte levels are low, you can have various symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, unusual heart rhythms and seizures.

What Are The Functions Of Plasma?

Blood plasma plays a crucial role in maintaining and facilitating several bodily functions. We list them below for your reference:

• Redistributing and replenishing water in the body parts which require it

• Transporting hormones, nutrients and proteins to different parts of your body

• Facilitating the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange

• Supporting blood vessels from clogging or collapsing

• Maintaining the body’s pH balance within normal ranges to support cell function, blood pressure and volume of fluid as well as circulation

• Regulating body temperature by releasing and absorbing heat

• Removing waste from cells and diverting it to your liver, lungs and kidneys for excretion

• Clotting blood

• Preventing infections (bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic)

• Facilitating recovery from injury