Introduction
Medical technology has increased greatly in the upcoming years, and one particularly innovative breakthrough is freeze-dried plasma (FDP). As a stable and convenient substitute for conventional plasma, FDP has become essential for emergency medical conditions.
What Is Plasma?
Plasma is the liquid portion of blood. Red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets dissolved in the plasma make up our blood, which comprise around 55 % of the blood. 92 % of plasma is made of water.
What Is the Role of Plasma?
Imagine cells as a network of highways that convey waste products away from them after providing them with essential nutrients, hormones, and proteins. That's the action of plasma! It guarantees that cells receive the resources they require and removes unnecessary materials. Approximately 55 % of people's blood is made up of plasma, greatly increasing the amount of blood overall. This volume ensures appropriate blood flow throughout the body by maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Essential proteins for blood coagulation are present in plasma, which helps to stop excessive bleeding after an injury. It also contains antibodies and other elements of the immune system, which aid in the defense against illnesses and infections. Plasma absorbs and releases heat as needed, much like a radiator system. This keeps the body's core temperature within a healthy range even when individuals exercise, or the outside temperature fluctuates.
Sodium (Na), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) are the electrolytes which are important for fluid balance, neuron and muscle function, and general cell health, and are carried in plasma. Plasma transports waste materials from cells, such as ammonia and carbon dioxide, to the kidneys and lungs so they may be expelled. This prevents toxic buildup and maintains the balance of chemicals in the body.
What Is Freeze Dried Plasma?
Plasma is placed through a dehydration process known as freeze-dried plasma, a stable and easily reconstitute product. Freeze-drying is a process of dehydration which is used to eliminate the total water content present in the plasma. and it is an essential component of blood; it contains electrolytes, proteins, and clotting factors. Through this procedure, the water content of the plasma is reduced while maintaining its essential components, resulting in a powder-like material that can be kept for long periods at room temperature.
What are the uses of Freeze-dried Plasma?
1. Trauma Recovery: In severe bleeding, it replaces lost blood volume and clotting components. Especially useful in combat situations or isolated locations with limited access to fresh blood. In battle casualties, early administration can increase survival chances.
2. Management of Shock: Provides support for circulation and blood pressure when a patient experiences shock from burns, sepsis, or major surgery, among other conditions. Restores electrolytes and vital proteins that were lost during shock.
3. Treatment of Coagulopathies: It contains clotting factors where liver disease, certain drugs, or other illnesses affect the body's natural capacity to clot. Aids in stopping the bleeding in certain circumstances.
4. Replacement therapy: In certain medical circumstances, it can be used to replace certain plasma proteins that are lacking or insufficient. Protein C deficiency and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) are two examples.
How to Prepare Freeze-Dried Plasma?
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One of two methods is used to prepare fresh frozen plasma: centrifugation to separate red blood cells and platelets from whole blood.
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After that, the plasma is frozen at -18 °C and kept until a transfusion is required.
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After donor phlebotomy (using a needle to take blood from the arms), the freezing process must occur within eight hours to qualify as FFP.
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Plasma frozen to be kept and used later is known as fresh frozen plasma (FFP).
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Before being used, the plasma is warmed and thawed (frozen to a liquid). Donated blood is the source of plasma.
Plasma Separation: Lots of blood donations are pooled together. Plasma, the liquid part of blood, is separated from the red blood cells.
Freezing and Drying: The plasma is rapidly frozen (like a super ice cube!) to -40°C or colder. This keeps the plasma components intact. The ice is gently removed in a vacuum chamber by turning it directly into vapor (without melting first). This is called sublimation.
Packaging and Testing: The dry, powdery plasma is sealed in sterile vials. Rigorous tests ensure it is safe, potent, and free of viruses or bacteria.
For What Diseases Freeze Dried Plasma Is Used?
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If there is significant blood loss. For their body to stop the bleeding and balance their circulation, additional clotting factors and fluids are required. These essential components are rapidly replaced by freeze-dried plasma, which functions as a blood booster.
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Consider shock as the body's attempt to shut down during high stress. Severe infections, burns, major surgeries, and even dehydration can cause this. Freeze-dried plasma pulls the body back from the edge by restoring blood pressure and volume.
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Sometimes, liver disease or certain drugs interfere with the body's natural capacity to clot.
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Even slight injuries may result in uncontrollable bleeding as a result. The lack of clotting factors is supplied by freeze-dried plasma, which aids in stopping the bleeding.
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Rarely, a person may not have enough of several vital proteins in their blood, which can have major consequences. It is possible to replenish these absent proteins and return to normal functioning with freeze-dried plasma.
Conclusion
Freeze-dried plasma is a big step forward in medical technology. It is like a flexible and life-saving solution in emergencies. Its applications in helping during disasters, in the military, and for serious injuries show how it can make a difference for patients. As technology gets better, we can expect more and more use of freeze-dried plasma, making healthcare better for everyone.
