Blutplasma

Blutplasma, the German term for blood plasma, is the pale yellow liquid component of blood in which the cellular elements—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets—are suspended. It accounts for about 55% of blood volume and is primarily water, containing dissolved proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, gases, and waste products.

The major soluble components are plasma proteins, including albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen. Albumin helps maintain colloid osmotic pressure and fluid balance; globulins include antibodies and other immune proteins; fibrinogen is essential for blood coagulation. Other solutes include electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium), glucose, lipids, vitamins, gases (notably carbon dioxide and dissolved oxygen), and waste products.

Functions of Blutplasma encompass transport, regulation, and protection. It transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products to and from tissues; distributes gases and heat; maintains blood volume and osmotic pressure; buffers blood pH; and provides clotting factors and immune components necessary for hemostasis and defense.

A key distinction is between plasma and serum. Plasma is obtained from blood collected with anticoagulants and contains clotting factors. Serum is the liquid remaining after blood coagulates and lacks most clotting factors.

Clinical and practical uses include transfusion of plasma to treat coagulation deficiencies, liver disease, or massive transfusion needs; fresh frozen plasma (FFP) storage at -18°C or colder; plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) to remove pathogenic substances; and the production of plasma-derived therapies such as immunoglobulins, clotting factors, and albumin.