Plasma plays an essential role in the health and well-being of countless people worldwide. In the United States alone, millions of plasma units are needed yearly for life-saving treatments. However, few people know its functions, importance, and role in healthcare.
In this article, we’ll explore what plasma is, why donating plasma is essential, and how the plasma you donate is used to improve the quality of life of patients with various health conditions.
What Is Plasma?
Plasma is the liquid component of blood, accounting for about 55% of its total volume. It consists of the following:
- Water: An estimated 90% of plasma is water, which helps transport nutrients and other vital substances throughout the body.
- Proteins: Plasma contains albumin, immunoglobulins, and clotting factors, essential for maintaining blood pressure, immune responses, and blood clotting.
- Electrolytes and Hormones: These help regulate various bodily functions, such as muscle contraction and fluid balance.
Plasma has many functions in the human body. It helps:
- Maintain blood pressure and blood volume by holding water and essential proteins.
- Transport nutrients, hormones, and proteins to tissues that need them.
- Support immune function by delivering antibodies and fighting infections.
- Aid in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding in case of injury.
What Is a Plasma Donation?
A plasma donation involves giving plasma in a process called plasmapheresis. When you donate plasma, the plasma is separated and extracted using a specialized machine, and the remaining blood components are returned to your body.
Why Is Donating Plasma Important?
Plasma’s unique components make it a critical resource for those needing specialized care. In fact, plasma-derived therapies are the only treatment available for some conditions.
A large volume of plasma is needed daily in hospitals and pharmaceutical laboratories across the United States. For instance, it takes about 130 donations to provide enough plasma to treat a single person with primary immune deficiency (PID) for a year and around 1,200 to treat someone with hemophilia.
The demand for plasma continues to rise. With such a significant and growing need, there’s an ongoing call for people to regularly donate plasma to help ensure patients have access to life-saving treatments.
Uses of Plasma in Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
Plasma-derived Therapies
Pharmaceutical companies use plasma to create therapies for people with conditions such as hemophilia, immune deficiencies, rare diseases, and severe burns. Examples include the following.
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapies help strengthen the immune system in patients who cannot produce antibodies on their own, such as individuals with primary immunodeficiency (PID).
- Clotting factor treatments prevent excessive bleeding in patients with bleeding disorders like hemophilia A and B.
- Albumin replacement therapies are crucial for people with liver disease or severe burns.
- C1-INH concentrate prevents and treats inflammation in people with hereditary angioedema (HAE).
Plasma in Trauma and Emergency Care
Plasma is often used in emergency settings to treat shock, severe bleeding, and trauma victims. It is also vital in critical surgeries and organ transplants, where maintaining blood volume and clotting are essential.
Plasma in Other Treatments
Plasma is used in treatments for tetanus and rabies through antibody infusions. For instance, antibodies from immunized donors are extracted and given to infected patients. This provides immediate protection against the disease by neutralizing the virus.
Antibody infusions are particularly important for rabies, as they can prevent severe symptoms and death if administered promptly after exposure.
Plasma is also essential for pregnant people with Rh sensitization, a condition that could harm the fetus. Plasma protein therapies help prevent severe pregnancy complications associated with this condition.
Plasma in Pharmaceutical Research
Beyond its direct use in medical treatments, plasma is crucial in pharmaceutical research. It is used to develop therapies for diseases like hepatitis, HIV, and autoimmune disorders. Researchers and scientists are finding new ways to utilize plasma in regenerative medicine and gene therapy.
Why Should You Donate Plasma?
When you donate plasma, you’re not only contributing to a scientific resource, but you’re also directly saving lives. Plasma donations are critical for patients suffering from rare diseases or undergoing emergency care.
Life-saving Impact
Each donation provides life-saving treatments to those who need it most. Whether it’s a child with a rare immune disorder or a patient recovering from a major surgery, donating plasma offers them a second chance at life.
Ongoing Need for Regular Donors
There’s always a need for regular plasma donors. Patients who rely on plasma-derived therapies need a continuous supply to manage their conditions. Becoming a consistent donor helps ensure that these life-saving treatments remain available for those in need.
Help Save Lives by Donating Plasma
Donating plasma is a simple yet impactful way to contribute to public health and ensure that plasma-derived therapies and treatments are available for those who need them. It only takes an hour or so to make a difference.
At ABO Plasma in Calexico, we offer a safe and friendly environment for donors. It’s easy to schedule an appointment, and our staff is happy to answer your questions and provide assistance throughout the process.
Make your first appointment online, or drop by ABO Plasma today.