What is Plasma?

Plasma is the liquid portion of your blood.  It has a number of vital functions in bleeding and infection control.  It contains proteins and antibodies, which are produced by the immune system to fight diseases. Plasmapheresis is a blood donation process in which you only donate the liquid portion of your blood, the plasma. The cellular portion of your blood (Red Blood Cells) is separated from the plasma by an automated instrument that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As part of this same automated process the cellular portion is returned to you and the liquid, plasma portion, is retained in a special collection container.

What are Antibodies?

Antibodies are a type of protein. They are produced by the immune system in response to foreign substances that may be a threat to the body -- such as chemicals, virus particles, spores, or bacterial toxins. These foreign substances are called antigens. Each type of antibody is unique and defends the body against one specific type of antigen. Most often antibodies are created to fight off “outside “ foreign invaders of our bodies. However, sometimes a person’s immune system may produce antibodies that target our own organs and immune system. These are known as Autoimmune Antibodies.