Plasma

Definition

Plasma is the liquid component of blood that carries cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. It makes up about 55% of total blood volume and plays a critical role in maintaining blood pressure and regulating body temperature. In the context of clinical laboratory analyzers and techniques, plasma is essential for various diagnostic tests, as it provides a medium for the detection of biomarkers and other substances relevant to health and disease.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plasma is composed of approximately 90% water, with the remaining 10% consisting of proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.
2. Common proteins found in plasma include albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen, which play important roles in maintaining osmotic pressure and immune function.
3. Plasma is often separated from blood using centrifugation, a process that allows for the analysis of its components without interference from blood cells.
4. Clinical laboratory tests that utilize plasma include liver function tests, electrolyte panels, and tests for infectious diseases.
5. Abnormal levels of plasma proteins or electrolytes can indicate various health issues, making plasma analysis vital in diagnosing conditions such as liver disease or kidney dysfunction.

Review Questions

• How does the composition of plasma contribute to its functions in the body?
  • The composition of plasma is vital for its functions as it contains water, proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, and waste products. The high water content allows plasma to act as a solvent for transporting various substances throughout the body. Proteins like albumin help maintain osmotic pressure and serve as carriers for hormones and medications. Additionally, electrolytes are crucial for nerve signaling and muscle function, making plasma essential for overall physiological balance.
• Discuss how clinical laboratory techniques utilize plasma in diagnostic testing.
  • Clinical laboratory techniques utilize plasma by separating it from whole blood through centrifugation. Once isolated, plasma can be analyzed to measure levels of proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and other substances. Tests such as liver function tests or electrolyte panels rely on plasma samples to provide valuable information about a patient's health status. The ability to analyze plasma allows healthcare providers to diagnose conditions like liver disease or metabolic disorders effectively.
• Evaluate the implications of abnormal plasma protein levels in patient diagnosis and management.
  • Abnormal plasma protein levels can significantly impact patient diagnosis and management by providing critical insights into underlying health conditions. For instance, elevated levels of certain proteins may indicate inflammation or infection, while low levels could suggest malnutrition or liver dysfunction. Understanding these abnormalities allows healthcare providers to tailor treatment strategies effectively. Consequently, regular monitoring of plasma protein levels is essential in managing chronic diseases and guiding therapeutic decisions.

Related terms

Serum: The liquid that remains after blood has clotted and the clot is removed, containing antibodies and other proteins.

Erythrocytes: Red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

Electrolytes: Minerals in plasma that carry an electric charge, essential for various bodily functions including nerve signaling and muscle contraction.