Blood plasma
It is mostly water (up to 95% by volume), and contains important dissolved proteins (6–8%; e.g., serum albumins, globulins, and fibrinogen),[2] glucose, clotting factors, electrolytes (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3−, Cl−, etc.
[3] It plays a vital role in an intravascular osmotic effect that keeps electrolyte concentration balanced and protects the body from infection and other blood-related disorders.
Fresh frozen plasma is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system.
[10] Blood plasma volume may be expanded by or drained to extravascular fluid when there are changes in Starling forces across capillary walls.
For example, when blood pressure drops in circulatory shock, Starling forces drive fluid into the interstitium, causing third spacing.
[12] Serum albumins are the most common plasma proteins, and they are responsible for maintaining the osmotic pressure of the blood.
Alpha-1 and Alpha-2 globulins are formed in the liver and play an important role in mineral transport and the inhibition of blood coagulation.
[14] An example of beta globulin found in blood plasma includes low-density lipoproteins (LDL) which are responsible for transporting fat to the cells for steroid and membrane synthesis.
[15] Gamma globulin, better known as immunoglobulins, are produced by plasma B cells, and provides the human body with a defense system against invading pathogens and other immune diseases.
[19] A dark brown or reddish color can appear due to hemolysis, in which methemoglobin is released from broken blood cells.
[25] Compared to serum, 15–20% larger volume of plasma can be obtained from a blood sample of certain size.
[23] Plasma preparation requires the addition of anticoagulants, which can cause expected and unexpected measurement errors.
"Dried plasmas" in powder or strips of material format were developed and first used in World War II.
[30] The "Blood for Britain" program during the early 1940s was quite successful (and popular in the United States) based on Charles Drew's contribution.
A large project began in August 1940 to collect blood in New York City hospitals for the export of plasma to Britain.
His notable contribution at this time was to transform the test tube methods of many blood researchers into the first successful mass production techniques.
[35] By the end of the war the American Red Cross had provided enough blood for over six million plasma packages.
[38] In 2002, the British government purchased Life Resources Incorporated, an American blood supply company, to import plasma.
In 2013, the British government sold an 80% stake in PRUK to American hedge fund Bain Capital, in a deal estimated to be worth £200 million.
[40] In 2009, the U.K. stopped importing plasma from the United States, as it was no longer a viable option due to regulatory and jurisdictional challenges.
[42] Simulated body fluid (SBF) is a solution having a similar ion concentration to that of human blood plasma.
