Plasma donation
Plasma donation is a safe and gentle alternative to traditional blood donation. Instead of donating whole blood, you only contribute the liquid portion (plasma) while keeping your red and white blood cells. This is made possible through a specialized process called plasmapheresis.
During the procedure, a pheresis machine draws your blood, separates the plasma from the cells, and returns the cells to your body. The collected plasma is stored in a sterile container for medical use.
Since your body retains its blood cells, recovery is faster—plasma regenerates in just two days, allowing you to donate more frequently than with whole blood donations.
The Lifesaving Liquid in Your Blood
What is Blood Plasma?
Blood plasma is the light yellow, cell-free liquid portion of blood, making up about 55% of the body’s total blood volume. Composed primarily of water (up to 95%), it also contains essential dissolved proteins (6–8%), electrolytes, hormones, and other vital substances.
Key Proteins in Plasma:
Albumin (maintains osmotic pressure)
Globulins (including antibodies for immunity)
Fibrinogen & clotting factors (essential for blood coagulation)
Plasma plays a critical role in:
✔ Transporting nutrients, hormones, and waste products
✔ Regulating body temperature and pH balance
✔ Supporting immunity and preventing infections
✔ Ensuring proper blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding
Dependency on a donated raw material
The Vital Role of Donated Blood Plasma in Modern Medicine.
Donated blood plasma contains essential proteins that serve as the foundation for life-saving medications. For patients with genetic immunodeficiencies and other serious conditions, these plasma-derived therapies are not just treatments – they are lifelines. Immunoglobulins, one of the key proteins extracted from plasma, have no artificial substitutes, making plasma donation irreplaceable for patients who depend on these therapies for survival.
Beyond immunodeficiency disorders, plasma proteins treat a wide range of diseases, including bleeding disorders, neurological conditions, and severe burns. However, global plasma supplies fall far short of meeting patient needs. Currently, the majority of the world's plasma comes from donations in the United States, creating significant gaps in treatment accessibility worldwide.
Recognizing its critical importance, both the OECD and World Health Organization classify blood plasma as an essential raw material. This designation underscores the urgent need to increase plasma donation efforts globally, ensuring all patients can access the treatments they desperately require. Every plasma donation contributes to this vital medical resource, offering hope to patients with otherwise untreatable conditions.
Key Facts:
- Plasma-derived medicines treat life-threatening conditions with no alternative treatments available
-Global plasma shortages prevent full treatment of all eligible patients
- The WHO recognizes plasma as a critical medical resource
- Increased donation efforts could save countless lives worldwide
This ongoing medical need highlights how each plasma donation makes a tangible difference in patients' lives, particularly for those with chronic conditions requiring lifelong therapy.