The Lifeblood of Circulation: Exploring the Functions of Plasma

Plasma is considered to be the most important and largest component of blood. Plasma contains most of the water, but apart from this it also contains essential proteins and other substances. All these components are necessary for the proper functioning of blood. Blood can be mainly divided into 4 components – plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. According to scientists, 55 percent of blood consists of plasma, while the remaining 45 percent consists of other components. Plasma is a type of liquid, which is straw colored. Plasma itself contains 92 percent water. It helps in blood clotting and fighting infection. It is also the work of plasma to control blood pressure in the body and maintain balanced blood levels.

Plasma is the largest part of blood. It makes up more than half (about 55%) of the blood. Plasma is a pale yellow fluid when separated from the rest of the blood. Plasma contains water, salts and enzymes. The main role of plasma is to deliver nutrients, hormones and proteins to the parts of the body that need them. Cells also release their waste products into plasma. The plasma then helps remove this waste from the body. Blood plasma also carries all the parts of the blood through your circulatory system.

(Read more - Blood transfusion)

Plasma is the most important part of blood, hence it plays an important role in the functioning of the body. Come, let us know about this in detail -

Anyone's life can be saved by donating plasma. Like blood donation, plasma is also used to help people in need. It is helpful in stopping excessive bleeding during emergency situations. Excessive bleeding in an accident or surgery can also lead to plasma deficiency in the body. In such a situation, the physical condition may worsen further. Therefore, there is a need to give plasma to the patient.Plasma is available in every blood bank as per requirement. To donate plasma, it is necessary to fulfill the following criteria -

• The age of the person should be between 18 to 69 years.
• The weight of that person should be at least 55 kg.
• Also, he should not have donated plasma to anyone in the last 1 month.

(Read More - Home remedies to purify blood)

Plasma donor is required in the following situations -

• Plasma donation becomes necessary in case of diseases related to the immune system, because the proteins and antibodies present in plasma are helpful in the treatment of these diseases.
• If someone has leukemia, the patient requires plasma transfusion.
• Plasma may be needed in case of bone marrow transplant or liver related conditions.
• Even in conditions like hemophilia, it becomes necessary to donate plasma to the patient.

(Read More - Plasma renin activity test)

Plasma is an important part of the treatment of many serious health problems. This is why while donating blood people are asked 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, doctors can separate these vital parts from the plasma. These parts can then be mixed 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.

The proteins and antibodies in plasma are also used in the treatment of rare chronic conditions. These include autoimmune disorders and hemophilia. People with these conditions can live long and productive lives because of treatment. In fact, some health organizations call plasma "the gift of life."

(Read more - Seminal Plasma Hypersensitivity)

Plasma is high in protein. Plasma transfusion may be required in case of excessive bleeding or any chronic disease like leukemia or cancer. Any healthy person between 18 to 69 years can donate plasma. By doing this the life of a patient suffering from a serious disease can be saved.