What are Blood Plasma Derivatives?

Blood plasma derivatives refer to medical products that are manufactured from human blood plasma through various purification and production processes. Blood plasma, the liquid component of blood, contains many proteins, antibodies and clotting factors that serve important functions in the human body. Through advanced biopharmaceutical techniques, specific plasma components can be isolated and further processed into therapeutic preparations known as derivatives. Some of the major blood plasma derivatives include immunoglobulins, coagulation factors, albumin and plasma-derived medicinal products.

Immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are Y-shaped proteins produced by plasma cells that help protect the body against infection by binding to pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Blood Plasma Derivatives The most common plasma-derived immunoglobulin medications are intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG). IVIG is administered directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous line, while SCIG is injected under the skin. These immunoglobulin products are used to treat a wide range of immunodeficiency disorders where patients have low antibody levels. They are also beneficial for other conditions involving autoimmune responses or inflammatory reactions.

Coagulation Factors

Plasma contains numerous coagulation factors or clotting factors that work together in an intricate cascade to form blood clots and stop bleeding. Some people have inherited deficiencies in certain clotting factors which puts them at high risk of excessive bleeding from minor cuts or prolonged bleeding after surgery or injury. Recombinant technology allows clinicians to isolate specific coagulation factors from plasma and manufacture them as concentrates to treat related bleeding disorders. Examples include Factor VIII for hemophilia A and Factor IX for hemophilia B. Regular injections of these clotting factor replacements help control bleeding episodes.

Albumin

Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein that primarily functions to maintain blood pressure by keeping fluids in circulatory vessels. It also transports hormones, vitamins, and medications throughout the body. Derived from human plasma, albumin solutions are given intravenously to expand blood volume in cases of shock, burns, liver disease and other conditions associated with dangerously low albumin levels. Albumin's oncotic properties draw fluid back into the bloodstream from tissues.

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