What is plasma?

Blood is not only red. The liquid part of blood, called “plasma”, is pale yellow. The red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are bathed in this precious liquid, which is composed of 90% water.

Plasma is vital and irreplaceable

Plasma is rich in proteins, such as immunoglobulins, clotting factors, albumin and fibrinogen. These proteins form the basis for several specialty drugs which can treat many of the following conditions:

immunodeficiencies;
autoimmune diseases;
neurological diseases;
a variety of infections.

Each year, up to 160 plasma donations may be needed to treat some diseases with immunoglobulins. Plasma donations are vital for the survival and well-being of thousands of people.

Wondering why this substance you’ve barely heard about is also known as “liquid gold”? If you’re curious to know more, here are four facts about this fascinating blood component!

The method for collecting plasma donations is different than for whole blood donations. A technique called “apheresis” is used, in which blood is passed through a machine that collects only the plasma and returns the other blood components to the donor. Apheresis donations are very safe for donors, and two times more plasma can be collected through apheresis than through whole blood donation.
Since plasma regenerates quickly, it can be donated more frequently—every six days, in fact!
Even though plasma is the main component of blood (55% of the total volume), it is the aptly-named red blood cells (44%) that give blood its colour. Plasma is instead a yellowish colour.
Demand for plasma products is always on the rise, which makes plasma donation a safe, easy way to save lives!