At a time when the expression “donate plasma” became one of the most used activities during the coronavirus pandemic, many wonder what plasma is in clinical terms, in addition to other related questions.
The plasma is a natural liquid present in the blood of humans and a characteristic yellow color. It represents 55% of the total volume of the blood.
The most important thing about plasma is that the blood cells diffuse in the plasma:
- Platelets
- Red blood cells.
- White blood cells
As essential data to have a dimension of what plasma covers, a person weighing 70 kilos has 3 liters of plasma for every 5 liters of blood in his body.
Which Components Build The Plasma?
For those who seek to go further and know the chemical and biological composition of plasma, the following items are useful:
- 90% of water.
- Mineral salts.
- Favorable proteins for the body.
Among the main proteins contained in plasma are:
- Coagulation factors: responsible for stopping bleeding from cuts or wounds in conjunction with platelets.
- Immunoglobulins: defenses that are responsible for providing protection and activating mechanisms against infections.
- Albumin: protein responsible for transporting drugs and some hormones to carry them to the tissues.
Why donate plasma?
Donating the plasma helps save lives. During the coronavirus pandemic context, it is necessary to request a prior appointment by phone at the usual donation center.
The agency will issue an individual summons displayed from the cell phone to the authorities if required. The Blood Banks have permission to grant them.
The National Government promotes an active awareness and promotion campaign for plasma donation, indicating that:
- It is a painless procedure. Plasma donation does not require prior preparation, nor is it necessary for the donor to be fasting.
- It is safe since disposable material is used that prevents health problems for the volunteer.
- It is essential in a context such as the current one as it constitutes one of the crucial measures to save lives.
Plasma donation from recovered COVID patients
According to the National Government’s health campaigns, the patients recovered from Covid-19 have antibodies in their plasma that they developed during the disease.
That could favor infected people experiencing the main symptoms.
At the beginning of the pandemic, this was not entirely clear. Therefore, the Ministry of Health began a National Clinical Trial to evaluate its risks and benefits, starting in the Metropolitan Region.
The results were under expectations: the people recovered from coronavirus who voluntarily decided to show solidarity were in a position to enter the Trial and evaluate the benefits of donation and treatment.
In this way, a new possibility and alternative for treating patients who are studying Covid-19 are open.
Requirements to donate plasma safely
Health experts explain that it is advisable to donate plasma provided the donor is in the range of between 18 and 70, one over 50 kilos, and overall optimal health weight.
Each health agency is responsible for transmitting the necessary recommendations in this regard.
Once the donation is complete, the volunteer must wait 15 days (minimum) to make the next donation. In the case of a blood transfer, the term extends for two months.
This information is essential to preserve the health of the volunteers.
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