What Is Plasma?

BioLife healthcare professional working by a plasmapheresis machine.

So, what exactly is plasma?

If you’ve donated blood before, you may have heard the term “plasma” but not fully understood its significance. To understand why plasma is so important, we must first look at where it comes from.

Plasma is one of the four important components of blood in the human body alongside white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Each of these components plays a specific role in the overall function and health of our bodies.

The four important parts of blood:

Plasma transports white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

Red blood cells bring oxygen all over your body.

White blood cells fight off infections and sickness.

Platelets help stop bleeding and fix hurt blood vessels.

Plasma is the biggest part of our blood. Our bodies have around 12 pints of blood, and 55% of it is plasma. This light-yellow fluid helps the other parts of blood (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets) move around inside our blood vessels. Also, plasma has special proteins with antibodies that fight off infections.

The proteins in plasma have many antibodies that help us fight diseases. Plasma is used to make treatments that save lives.

Plasma can’t be made in a lab

Plasma is made up of waters, salts, and enzymes that are vital in controlling both bleeding and infection in the body. During the plasma donation process we separate plasma from your blood and use it in the production of various treatments and therapies for disorders, diseases, deficiencies, and injuries. Because our bodies so easily replenish plasma, donation at BioLife is both a safe and admirable choice for donors. Since it can’t be replicated in a lab, plasma can only be donated by healthy adults.

Will my plasma “replenish” after I donate?

Yes! The good news is that your body will automatically replenish your plasma within 48 hours after your donation, but there are certain steps you can take to help you feel your best as your plasma is replenished.

Where does this new plasma come from?

Because plasma is mainly made up of water and salts, your body will rely heavily on the salts and fluids that are absorbed through your digestive system in order to produce more of it. Staying hydrated before and after your donation can aid in a swift replenishment.

BioLife healthcare worker attending to a donor during the donation process.

Did You Know?

More than 90% of plasma consists of water, so drink up!

So, now that you know you should drink water before and after donating plasma, what should you eat?

This is where our Health Tips for Before and After Donating Plasma come in handy.

A person hydrating and listening to music while outdoors.

Whole blood donation vs. plasma donation

How is donating blood different from donating plasma?

If you’re new to donating plasma, you may be wondering how it differs from donating blood. Even though they’re kind of similar, there are a few ways they’re different, like how long it takes, how often you can do it, and if you get paid.

Here’s the breakdown:

Whole Blood Donation

Time needed: 10–15 minutes

How often: Every 56 days

Getting paid: No

Plasma Donation

Time needed: About 60 minutes*

How often: Up to twice a week

Getting paid: Yes

*Donating plasma can take up at least two hours for first-time donors.

Donating plasma requires a bit more time than donating whole blood.

With plasma donations, you get compensated for your time and dedication

Does donating your plasma make a big difference?

Blood Type: Plasma donor

For people of all blood types, there’s purpose in your plasma.

Will your blood type affect whether you can donate plasma?

Not at all! BioLife accepts plasma donations from all blood types.

Life-changing plasma therapies can be made from plasma donated by people with any blood type. These therapies and treatments will be given to patients in need.

All plasma donations are a tremendous help in furthering the research, development, and success of medical treatments across the globe.