Did you know that 55% of your blood content is actually plasma?
Plasma is a protein-rich liquid that plays a crucial role in maintaining our health – not only supporting the immune system but also assisting in controlling bleeding and carrying essential proteins that can treat a wide range of illnesses.
Community Development Manager with Canada Blood Services Elaine Keller says that plasma donation is a process completely different from whole blood donation.
Keller says a wide variety of medical applications rely on plasma, and it’s utilized in the treatment of infections, cancer, severe burns, and even conditions like kidney disease and chickenpox.
The process of donating plasma differs from whole blood donation. It involves a procedure called apheresis, where only the plasma portion of the blood is collected, while the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are returned to the donor.
