What do plasma contain

Clotting factors, in combination with platelets, control hemorrhaging. A deficiency in these proteins can cause various health problems. White Blood Cells There are between 6, and 8, white cells per cubic millimetre of blood. White cells, slightly larger than red cells, are also called leukocytes. The plasma then helps remove this waste from the body. Blood plasma also carries all parts of the blood through your circulatory system. Plasma is a critical part of the treatment for many serious health problems.

This is why there are blood drives asking people to donate blood plasma. Along with water, salt, and enzymes, plasma also contains important components. These include antibodies, clotting factors, and the proteins albumin and fibrinogen. When you donate blood, healthcare providers can separate these vital parts from your plasma.

These parts can then be concentrated into various products. These products are then used as treatments that can help save the lives of people suffering from burns, shock, trauma, and other medical emergencies. Whole blood donation takes less time—under 30 minutes—and donors donate less frequently—no more than once in eight weeks. The programs may fit into a donor's life differently at various times in the donor's life, and are equally important in helping to fulfill a vital medical need.

Find a Donor Center Plasma donors save lives everyday! The Power of Plasma Donation This detailed video takes viewers through all of the steps a first-time plasma donor would experience during the process of donating lifesaving plasma. Read more. Learn more about the plasma donation experience. Learn more about how you can save and improve lives. Find a Donor Center. Each of these electrolytes plays a key role in the body. When people lose a lot of blood, often due to a traumatic accident or surgery, they also lose a lot of plasma.

This is why organizations collect plasma in addition to whole blood. There are two ways to donate plasma. The first is by donating whole blood. A laboratory then separates the blood components, including plasma, as needed. The other way involves donating only plasma.

This is performed through a method known as plasmapheresis. A machine draws blood from a vein into a centrifuge. A centrifuge is a machine that spins rapidly, which separates plasma from other blood components. Plasma is naturally lighter than many other components, so it tends to rise to the top during this process. The machine will keep the plasma and send other components, such as red blood cells, back into your body. Each laboratory or blood bank may have different requirements regarding to who can donate plasma.

This provides about 13 opportunities to donate plasma per year. Learn more about the side effects of donating plasma and important safety tips. Plasma is an important part of blood that helps with everything from regulating body temperature to fighting infection. Not having enough plasma can have serious health consequences, which is why people can donate plasma for use in others.