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Writer's pictureDr. ARUN V J

TME 46: Plasma donation vs Whole blood donation


A golden yellow coloured plasma in a bag
The Golden Yellow Plasma


Blood donation is one of the most impactful ways to save lives. Among the different types of blood donations, whole blood donation and plasma donation play unique and critical roles in healthcare. This comprehensive guide explains the differences, the donation procedures, and why plasma donation is increasingly vital in modern medicine.


Components of Blood and the Role of Plasma

What Is Blood Made Of?

Blood is a specialized fluid in the body that has four main components:

  1. Red Blood Cells (RBCs): These cells contain hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues and removes carbon dioxide.

  2. White Blood Cells (WBCs): These are part of the immune system, defending the body against infections and foreign invaders.

  3. Platelets: Small cell fragments that form clots to stop bleeding after an injury.

  4. Plasma: The liquid component of blood that suspends the cells and carries essential substances.


    components of blood
    Components of blood

What Is Plasma?

Plasma is the largest component of blood, making up about 55% of its total volume. It is a clear, straw-colored liquid composed of:

  • Water (90%): Maintains blood pressure, temperature, and hydration.

  • Proteins (8%): Includes critical proteins like albumin, clotting factors, and immunoglobulins (antibodies).

  • Minerals, Glucose, and Hormones (2%): Help in regulating various bodily functions.


Key Functions of Plasma

  1. Clotting: Plasma contains clotting factors necessary to prevent excessive bleeding.

  2. Immunity: Immunoglobulins in plasma help fight infections.

  3. Nutrient Transport: Plasma carries nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

  4. Volume Regulation: Plasma helps maintain blood volume and pressure.



Distinguishing Plasma Donation from Whole Blood Donation

Although both types of donations stem from the same source, they differ in key aspects. In a whole blood donation, all components of your blood are collected and utilized. However, plasma donation involves a specialized process, apheresis, where plasma is separated from other blood components, and these components are returned to your body.


Plasma Donation (Apheresis): A Targeted Approach

Plasma donation uses a specialized process called apheresis, where only plasma is collected, and the rest of the blood is returned to the donor.

  1. Health Screening: Similar to whole blood donation, with additional focus on plasma protein levels.

  2. Collection Process:

    • Blood is drawn and passed through a machine.

    • The machine separates plasma and returns red cells and platelets to the donor.

    • The plasma is routed to a bag.

    • The process takes about 1 to 2 hours.

  3. Post-Donation Care: Donors hydrate and rest before resuming normal activities.


    Flowchart
    Apheresis procedure

The Power of Plasma: Saving Lives, Transforming Therapies

Plasma donation is a cornerstone of modern medicine, enabling the development of life-altering therapies. We derive Plasma-derived medicinal products from this plasma by a process called fractionation. These therapies play a crucial role in managing a wide range of conditions, including:


  • Hemophilia: Plasma-derived clotting factors offer a lifeline for individuals with this bleeding disorder, enabling them to lead active and fulfilling lives.

  • Immune Deficiencies: Immunoglobulins derived from plasma bolster weakened immune systems, safeguarding vulnerable individuals from infections.

  • Burn and Trauma Victims: In the aftermath of severe injuries, plasma transfusions can replenish lost fluids and proteins, facilitating recovery and reducing complications.

  • Rare Diseases: Plasma is a critical ingredient in manufacturing treatments for rare conditions like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, offering hope to those affected by these uncommon ailments.


Beyond the Medical Realm: The Ripple Effect of Your Generosity

Your decision to donate plasma transcends the boundaries of medicine. By giving this life-affirming gift, you become a beacon of hope for patients, families, and communities. Your altruism ripples outward, touching countless lives and making a lasting difference in the world.


The demand for plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs) has been steadily increasing due to their critical role in treating various medical conditions, including immune deficiencies, hemophilia, and severe burns. PDMPs are made through a complex process that requires large quantities of plasma; for instance, it can take over 1,000 plasma donations to treat a single hemophilia patient for a year. Despite this growing demand, the supply of plasma often falls short, primarily due to insufficient donor participation and the stringent quality requirements for plasma collection and processing. The imbalance between demand and supply has led to shortages in many regions, impacting patients who rely on these life-saving therapies. Increased awareness and donation campaigns, along with global collaboration, are essential to bridge this gap and ensure a sustainable supply of PDMPs.


A patient waiting
A lot of patients are waiting for plasma medicines

Embark on Your Plasma Donation Journey

By choosing to donate plasma, you embark on a transformative journey – one where your generosity becomes a catalyst for healing, hope, and the advancement of medical treatments. Join the ranks of those who selflessly give of themselves to improve the lives of others. Your "liquid gold" holds the potential to transform lives and leave an enduring legacy of compassion.


Click here to read more about what the WHO has to say about plasma medicines.


Click here to read more about plasma.

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