Plasma donation is an important part of blood donation that has been researched and practiced for long. Earlier, plasma was separated from the bloods donated by the people and given to various kinds of patients since the time of the second world war. Now, thanks to modern devices plasma is separated from the donors on the spot and the rest of the body sent back to their bodies. The collected plasma is essential for patients of shock, trauma and burns along with those suffering from deficiencies of clotting factor and liver diseases. Patients get to boost their blood volume with the help of the plasma donation in Gurgaon. Even pharma companies have uses for plasma. They need it for making treatments for patients suffering from bleeding disorders and immune deficiencies.
What is plasma?
Plasma is actually the liquid part of your blood and contains about 92% of water. Around 55% of blood is plasma and rest are the red blood cells. Along with water the plasma also contains valuable proteins, gamma globulin, albumin and anti-hemophilic factors, sugars, mineral salts, fats, vitamins and hormones. Plasma is very important for your body. It helps in:
These functions make plasma so critical for certain kinds of patients. Even though plasma is present in everyone, donors have to be from the AB blood group because theirs can be used on all patients without worrying about blood compatibility.
What is done with donated plasma?
Plasma donation drives are organised by ngo in Gurgaon where people take part willingly to serve humanity. The high-tech machines separate the plasma from the blood at the collection centre and send to the red blood cells back to the donor’s body. It is a safe process and only takes a little longer than regular blood donation. The donated plasma is frozen with a span of 24 hours to ensure that the clotting factors are preserved. These can be stored in frozen state for almost a year. During usage these are thawed before transfusion. Donated plasma is usually straw-coloured.
Who are the donors?
Plasma donors must always be from AB group because their plasma is compatible with any blood group. The donors must be of 18 years or above and weighing 50 kgs or more. Health screenings will be conducted before a donation to ensure that the plasma is free of any viruses and in a healthy state. Prior to a plasma donation, the donor must drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. In case of any surgery or piercing the donor must notify the centre collecting plasma. Also, a list of the medicines consumed by the donor should be provided to them. The process through which plasma is collected and red blood cells returned to the body is called plasmapheresis. It is a safe process and there is nothing to worry about.
