Donating blood is a great way to help others in need, and donating plasma is an even more impactful way to help. Plasma is the clear, straw-colored liquid part of your blood that carries your red and white blood cells, platelets, and other vital substances throughout your body. It actually makes up about 55 percent of your blood volume.
Plasma is powerful and can be used to help people in different ways. Donating yours gives you the chance to help even more people enjoy a better quality of life. Read on and learn the various conditions that plasma can help alleviate.
Bone Marrow Transplant Infection
Some cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy need to have their bone marrow replaced. These patients are at risk of developing severe infections due to their weakened immune systems. Antibodies within plasma can help prevent these infections.
Brain Disorders
Brain disorders can occur when our immune system isn’t working properly. IVig, a mixture of antibodies and plasma, can help reduce the severity of these disorders.
Chicken Pox
Zoster Immunoglobulin is a medication containing plasma that can provide temporary protection against chicken pox. It is important to note that this is not a cure for chicken pox, and the individual may still experience symptoms. However, the symptoms may be less severe thanks to the Zoster Immunoglobulin.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Certain deficiencies in blood clotting factors can put people at an increased risk for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). By receiving treatment with plasma products, which replace these important clotting factors, normal blood function can be restored.
Hemophilia
Haemophilia is a blood clotting disorder. People with this condition often need to receive plasma transfusions to replace the missing clotting factors in their blood.
Hemorrhage
A hemorrhage is a medical emergency in which uncontrolled bleeding leads to a drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. A transfusion of plasma, which contains clotting factors, can help to stop the bleeding.
Hepatitis B
If you have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis B and are exposed to the virus, there is a treatment available using plasma. This can help to prevent the virus from taking hold and causing severe illness.
Immune Deficiencies
Plasma is used to help people with immune deficiencies by providing them with a source of somewhat lacking antibodies.
Kidney Diseases
If you have kidney disease and your kidneys are failing, Albumin, a protein found in blood plasma, can be used to help treat the condition.
Liver Diseases
The liver produces clotting agents that help to stop bleeding. When the liver is damaged, the supply of these agents can dry up. Plasma can help to prevent or stop bleeding complications that arise from liver disease.
Measles
For people who cannot be vaccinated against measles, plasma can provide temporary protection through a medication called normal human immunoglobulin (NHIG).
Rare Blood Disorders
A small portion of the population has inherited a rare blood disorder. The treatment for these disorders is often a transfusion of plasma. The plasma transfusions help to treat the symptoms of the disease.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a serious infection that can be caused by a rusty nail or other sharp object puncturing the skin. If you think you may have tetanus, it’s important to see a doctor right away. An intramuscular plasma injection of Tetanus Immunoglobulin-VF can help fight the infection before it takes hold.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)
TTP is a rare blood disorder that can be fatal if left untreated. It occurs when blood clots form in the body, and daily plasma exchange can help to prevent this from happening.
Conclusion
Plasma donation is a safe and easy way to help others. Not only is it a selfless act, but it also has many benefits for the donor, such as reducing the risk of certain diseases and helping them to stay healthy. If you consider becoming a plasma donor, please talk to your doctor or a local plasma donation center to learn more.
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