December 1, 2023

Blood plays a central role in our bodily functions, ensuring the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to every cell. One of the crucial components of blood is blood plasma, an often overlooked super-powerful element. Plasma is referred to as “liquid gold” because it can’t be manufactured in a lab, and it’s what keeps our circulatory system functioning (plus, it has immune-boosting properties and helps the body to replenish and repair after a traumatic injury). In this blog, we’re breaking down what blood plasma’s job is in the body, and how it supports our health. 

Understanding Plasma

Blood plasma is the yellowish, liquid component of blood that constitutes about 55% of the total volume. Plasma is made up of water, electrolytes, proteins, and hormones – and with all of these components, it supports a variety of necessary bodily functions. 

Blood Plasma’s Key Functions

• Transporting Nutrients:
  • Nutrient Delivery: One of the primary roles of blood plasma is to transport vital nutrients, like glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids, to cells throughout the body. This ensures that every cell receives the necessary fuel for optimal functioning.
  • Oxygen Transportation: Hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells, binds with oxygen in the lungs. From there, plasma carries these oxygen-loaded red blood cells to tissues and organs, enabling the cells to perform their functions properly. This is also why it can be used to treat diseases such as Hemophilia, supporting healthy blood clotting. 
• Supporting Healthy Cell Clean Up:
  • Carbon Dioxide Removal: As cells metabolize nutrients, they produce carbon dioxide. Blood plasma plays a crucial role in transporting carbon dioxide back to the lungs, where it’s expelled from the body during exhalation.
  • Removing Waste: Plasma also supports the removal of waste from the cells to the kidneys, where it can be processed and ultimately removed from the body.
• Immune System Support:
  • Antibodies: Plasma contains antibodies and other immune system components that help defend the body against infections. 
  • Clotting Factors: Essential proteins in plasma, known as clotting factors, contribute to the blood clotting process. This ensures that wounds and injuries are sealed promptly, preventing excess (and potentially dangerous) blood loss.

Book your Plasma Donation Appointment 

Plasma donation is essential in order to give patients in need access to this “liquid gold” component of blood. It can’t be replicated in a lab, and donors like you are the only way that patients who require plasma for life-sustaining treatments can access the medical care they need. Book your plasma donation appointment today!