Have you ever considered how something as simple as donating plasma could profoundly impact someone’s life? Plasma is a critical component of healthcare, used to save lives and support patients battling severe illnesses. From aiding in emergency care to treating rare and chronic conditions, its applications are far-reaching.
In this guide, we will examine how donations help patients in need and why becoming a plasma donor is a simple yet extraordinary way to make a real difference in the lives of others.
What Is Plasma?
Plasma is the largest blood component, accounting for about 55% of its total volume. This light amber liquid comprises 92% water, 7% vital proteins like albumin and fibrinogen, and 1% electrolytes, hormones, and vitamins.
Plasma is the body’s transport system, carrying nutrients, hormones, and proteins to tissues and organs while removing waste products. It also helps maintain blood pressure, volume, and pH balance. Without plasma, critical components like red and white blood cells and platelets couldn’t move through the body efficiently.
Beyond its role in the body, plasma is critical in medicine. So, what is plasma used for? Read on to learn more about the value of plasma donations in medical treatments, therapies, and emergency care, offering hope to patients in need.
What Is Plasma Used For?
Plasma is a lifeline for individuals facing life-threatening situations, offering critical support in emergencies and ongoing medical care. Because of its invaluable role in saving lives, it’s often called “liquid gold.”
One of the most common uses of blood plasma is to restore blood volume and help with clotting, thanks to its rich concentration of proteins like fibrinogen. Plasma transfusions are especially important for patients undergoing surgeries or dealing with severe liver conditions, where clotting factors are essential for recovery.
Plasma is also processed into fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to preserve its quality and effectiveness. FFP can then be used directly or processed further into specialized treatments, such as cryoprecipitate, which helps patients with bleeding disorders like hemophilia.
Blood Plasma Uses in Therapies for Chronic and Rare Conditions
Beyond emergency treatments, plasma is a cornerstone in therapies for chronic and rare conditions.
From autoimmune disorders to immune deficiencies, plasma proteins and antibodies are essential in managing complex medical challenges. For instance, individuals with primary immunodeficiency depend on plasma-based treatments to strengthen their immune systems and prevent life-threatening infections.
Patients with blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, also benefit from plasma therapies. Antibodies in plasma target cancer cells, bolstering the body’s defenses and complementing other cancer treatments.
The impact of blood plasma use extends even further. Plasma-derived treatments also aid pregnant women with Rh sensitization, protecting their unborn babies from complications. Whether for chronic care or rare diseases, these applications provide hope and healing for individuals worldwide, allowing many to lead longer, healthier lives.
The Need for Plasma Donations
Plasma is often called “liquid gold” for a reason: it’s essential for saving lives and treating severe health conditions. The U.S. healthcare system requires nearly 10,000 plasma units daily to treat patients in critical need.
Unfortunately, there’s a constant shortage of plasma donations, made worse by recent global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. To offer some perspective, it takes over 1,200 plasma donations to sustain one person with hemophilia for a year. This shows how crucial donations are for meeting patient needs.
The good news is that you can do something to help: donate plasma. The plasma donation process, called plasmapheresis, is simple and safe. Blood is drawn, plasma is separated, and the remaining blood components are returned to the body. This process allows you to donate more plasma and do so more often than with whole blood donations. Plasma naturally replenishes quickly, meaning you can donate up to 13 times yearly.
Individuals with AB blood type have an even greater opportunity to make a difference, as their plasma is universal and can be used immediately in emergencies. This unique quality makes their donations particularly impactful in saving lives.
Every plasma donation represents a chance to heal, restore, and sustain life. By donating, you help create therapies that enable cancer patients to fight another day, support trauma victims on their road to recovery, and give those with rare diseases the opportunity to thrive.
Your Plasma, Their Lifeline
Plasma is more than just a part of your blood. It’s a vital resource in modern medicine. From saving lives in emergencies to providing essential treatments for chronic and rare conditions, the uses of blood plasma are transformative.
Schedule your plasma donation appointment with ABO Plasma in Calexico and become part of a mission to save lives. Whether helping a trauma victim, supporting someone with a rare condition, or offering relief to a cancer patient, your plasma donation can bring hope to those in critical need. Take the first step toward transforming lives. Your generosity can have a lasting impact.