Many people are familiar with the process of blood donation and its benefits, but only a few people understand the importance of plasma donation. Plasma is referred to as the pale, yellow part of the blood. Around 50% of human blood is made up of plasma, which itself consists of water, proteins, and salts. Plasma is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure, blood volume, and proper pH balance. This article talks about everything about plasma- from how to donate plasma to the importance of plasma donation.
How are plasma donations used?
Blood plasma donations are used for specific purposes compared to general blood donation. Plasma donations are most commonly used for individuals who have experienced severe trauma, burn, or shock, people with liver or clotting factor disorders, and adults or kids with cancer. Plasma transfusions in such cases have proven to be useful. The donated plasma can be frozen and stored by health professionals for up to one year.
Whom do plasma donations help?
A significant amount of blood volume and necessary electrolytes are lost by the patients experiencing severe trauma, burn, or shock. Electrolytes are the minerals that help balance the amount of water, nutrients, and pH level inside the human body. It is plasma transfusion with the help of which lifesaving blood volume can be provided to the patient. The provided blood volume is required to restore the patient’s blood pressure and volume status, and electrolyte levels.
Furthermore, individuals suffering from liver disease or clotting factor deficiencies might not have the proper substances in their blood that are required for their blood to clot normally. Whenever a person has a cut or injury, it is made sure that the same person does not lose too much blood by these clotting factors. Plasma donations make sure that these people receive a plasma transfusion so that the body’s blood clotting capability can be restored, and thus, excessive bleeding can be stopped from occurring.
What is the process of plasma donation?
If thinking about how to donate plasma, there are a few differences between blood donation and the plasma donation process. During the plasma donation process, blood is removed from the arm of a donor. The donated blood is then run through an automated process that further removes plasma from the blood. The remaining red blood cells and platelets are returned to the donor’s arm with a small amount of saline so that the overall blood volume of the donor can be maintained.
Conclusion
Plasma donations have proven to help save the lives of people suffering from trauma, cancer, or blood clotting deficiency. Knowing the importance of and how to donate plasma can help donate plasma successfully. AB+ and AB- are reported as the ideal blood type for plasma donations. AB is the universal blood type when it comes to plasma donations and, thus, can be given to any patient, no matter what is his or her blood type.
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