The difference between plasma and blood

In life, we are all very familiar with blood. Blood flows continuously throughout our body, bringing nutrients to our body and carrying away waste. When we go to the hospital for a check-up, we will also be asked to have a blood test. The doctor will judge the patient's problem based on the results of the blood test. Nowadays, blood and plasma are tested during physical examinations. Many people do not know what the difference is between blood and plasma.

Difference Between Plasma and Blood

Blood and plasma are related, but they are not the same thing.

Blood is an opaque red liquid that flows in the heart and blood vessels. Its main components are plasma, blood cells and platelets. Blood cells are divided into red blood cells and white blood cells. The blood of adults accounts for about 1/13 of their body weight, and that of infants is less. Blood tastes salty and contains various nutrients, inorganic salts, oxygen, metabolites, hormones, enzymes and antibodies, etc. It has the functions of nourishing tissues, regulating organ activities and defending against harmful substances. Physiological and pathological changes in various organs often cause changes in blood components, so blood testing is of great significance in clinical diagnosis.

Plasma is the liquid part of blood, which is translucent, light yellow and viscous. Various methods can be used to separate it from the cellular components in the blood in vitro. In humans, it accounts for about 55% of the blood volume. It contains serum and fibrinogen, the latter of which has a certain effect on blood coagulation. In certain pathological conditions, plasma can be transfused alone to supplement the patient's body fluids.

What is the difference between donating blood and donating plasma?

Blood is composed of 55%-60% plasma and 40%-45% blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets). Blood donation is the process of drawing whole blood from the donor. Plasma donation is done by using a fully automatic single-collection plasma machine to separate the plasma portion of human blood through a centrifuge, while the red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, etc. are returned to the donor so that he or she can quickly recover his or her strength.

Donating blood will not affect your health

Some people worry that donating blood will affect their health, but this worry is actually unnecessary.

First, the total volume of human blood accounts for 8% of body weight. Donating 600 grams of plasma (including anticoagulants) at one time will not affect the normal physiological functions of the blood.

Second, the human body itself has a strong regulatory function, and it will recover through drinking water and eating 1 to 2 hours after donating blood.

Third, strict physical examinations and tests must be conducted before donating plasma, and only those who pass the examinations can donate plasma.

Fourth, the practice of plasma donation by millions of people at home and abroad over the years has proven that plasma donation will not affect physical health.