Blutplasmas

Blutplasmas refers to the liquid component of blood that remains after cellular elements are separated. In English contexts, the term is commonly written as blood plasma. Blutplasmas constitutes about 55% of total blood volume and consists primarily of water, with dissolved proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, and waste products. The major protein fractions are albumin, various globulins, and fibrinogen, produced largely by the liver. Albumin maintains colloid osmotic pressure and serves as a carrier for substances; fibrinogen and other coagulation factors are essential for hemostasis; immunoglobulins provide immune protection.

Collection and processing: Blutplasmas is obtained either by whole blood donation, followed by centrifugation to separate plasma from cells, or by plasmapheresis, where plasma is removed and cells returned to the donor. The plasma is processed and stored as refined products, such as fresh frozen plasma (FFP), which preserves coagulation factors for up to a year when frozen, or liquid/plasma fractions for immediate use. Pathogen reduction and irradiation help reduce transfusion risks.

Clinical uses: Blutplasmas is transfused to treat coagulopathies due to deficiency of clotting factors, liver disease, or extensive bleeding. It is also used to derive plasma-derived therapies, including immunoglobulins and certain coagulation factor concentrates. Albumin solutions, derived from plasma, are used for volume expansion in specific conditions.

Safety and risks: Transfusion can lead to reactions such as allergic responses, transfusion-related acute lung injury, and circulatory overload, and carries infectious risk despite screening. Donor screening and compatibility testing minimize adverse events.

See also: Blood plasma, Serum, Plasmapheresis, Plasma-derived therapies.