Plasma/Platelets

Background

Plasma is the fluid component of the blood system, minus any of the leukocytes and other cellular inhabitants. Plasma differs from serum because it still contains all of the coagulating factors, which however have been inhibited by the anti-coagulating agents. Plasma transfusions are usually applied to cases of coagulopathies resulting from various causes. Most of the coagulation inhibition can be reversed by adding excess calcium or other factors. Proteins (albumin), platelets, and other factors, can be studied for their roles and functions within the non-cellular consortium of liquid plasma.