Question 1

in blood what is hemocrit and what would make it low i donate plasma and at times i am told my hemocrit is to low.

Accepted Answer

Hematocrit : Hematocrit info: http://en.Wikipedia.Org/wiki/hematocrit
hematocrit (hct) and hemoglobin (HGB) are correlated measures of red blood cells (rbcs) in the blood.
Low rbc/hgb/hct is called anemia.
There are many causes of anemia. If you are anemic you should be evaluated by your physician and/or hematologist to see what the cause and potential treatments are.

Question 2

low pyruvic acid mg/dl, low pyruvic acid blood and low lactate plasma? what does this mean? any one have any clue?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It means you do not have an inherited disorder of metabolism such as a mitochondrial disorder. Not quite sure why you had it checked, unless you have trouble with waking or balance, seizures, or loss of sensation.

Question 3

if someone is on coumadin (warfarin) for a blood clot in the leg, which type of plasma protein is low?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: A clot can be caused by prolonged sitting, or an injury to the leg with totally normal clotting factors and plasma proteins.  Certain clotting disorders may predispose to clotting or bleeding.

Question 4

how can extract plasma from my blood at home?

Accepted Answer

Not easily: To separate plasma in the blood requires that blood be drawn and spun in a high speed centrifuge.  Unless one has the proper equipement and skill, this can not be done at home.

Question 5

can i donate both blood and plasma at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Probably not...: ...At least not how you mean it. A whole blood donation has about 50-65% plasma in it, which is eventually separated and used independent of the packed red blood cells. I am not aware of us rules allowing donation of "whole" plasma unit and red blood cell donation at the same time, as a protection to the donor's health. Can follow plasma donation in 3 days w/whole blood, though!

Question 6

what is blood plasma?

Accepted Answer

Liquid part: When the formed elements (platelets, white cells, red cells) are removed but the blood has not clotted (usually because it's been prevented from clotting), we speak of plasma.

Question 7

what does blood plasma do in the body?

Accepted Answer

Blood Plasma: is the liquid component of blood. It carries blood cells and other important components(e.g. hormones) throughout the body via the circulatory system.  It also helps maintain blood pressure.

Question 8

can you tell me about the difference between donating plasma and blood?

Accepted Answer

All vs component: Whole blood donation collects red cells, plasma, platelets--which can be separated and used. White cells are usually filtered out &amp; not used. Plasma collection (/pheresis) uses a machine to separate reds &amp; platelets from carrier fluid--golden ylw fluid (/plasma). The cells are returned to you in saline (salt water) and the plasma is collected. Blood 56/days between donation, plasma 3-7/days.

Question 9

what do doctors do with blood plasma donations?

Accepted Answer

Many things: Plasma is generally stored frozen and is good for a year to be given to patients for severe blood loss, and TTP. It may also be processed into components, e.g. gamma globulins and albumin. Some coagulation factors may be extracted in concentrated form to be given to patients with deficiencies.

Question 10

donating blood vs plasma, which does more good?

Accepted Answer

Either, red "better": While whole blood donation can help 3 people (red blood cells, plasma, platelets), plasma can be used in different ways to help as well + can be donated more frequently than the 56-day wait w/whole blood. We need more regular donors of both, so go for it!

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Doctor answers about:

Low plasma in blood

A member asked:

In blood what is hemocrit and what would make it low i donate plasma and at times i am told my hemocrit is to low.

A member asked:

Low pyruvic acid mg/dl, low pyruvic acid blood and low lactate plasma? what does this mean? any one have any clue?

A member asked:

If someone is on coumadin (warfarin) for a blood clot in the leg, which type of plasma protein is low?

A member asked:

How can extract plasma from my blood at home?

A member asked:

Can i donate both blood and plasma at the same time?

A member asked:

What is blood plasma?

A member asked:

What does blood plasma do in the body?

A member asked:

Can you tell me about the difference between donating plasma and blood?

A member asked:

What do doctors do with blood plasma donations?

A member asked:

Donating blood vs plasma, which does more good?

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