Donating plasma has many benefits for both the donors and patients. Donors can get rewarded for their contributions, and recipients receive life-saving medical treatment for a variety of illnesses and disorders. When you donate plasma, your blood goes through a centrifuge that separates the plasma from the rest of your blood. But what is plasma? Read on to explore an overview of this important element of the human body that can make a huge difference for those who need it.
Blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, all of which are suspended in plasma. Plasma is a clear-yellow liquid that suspends blood cells and helps transport antibodies, nutrients and waste through the body. Plasma is the cell free part of blood composed of water, proteins, electrolytes, lipids (fat) and carbohydrates. It makes up the majority of our blood and is approximately 92% water. Some of the proteins like albumin, gamma globulin, and anti-hemophilic factor (a protein that helps blood clot) are important for medical therapies.