What is Plasma

Plasma is the single largest component of human blood, comprising about 55 percent, and contains water, salts, enzymes, antibodies and other proteins.

Plasma is composed of 90% water.

Plasma is a transporting medium for cells and a variety of substances vital to the human body.

Plasma carries out a variety of functions in the body, including clotting blood, fighting diseases and other critical functions.

Source plasma is plasma that is collected from healthy, voluntary donors through a process called plasmapheresis and is used exclusively for further manufacturing into final therapies (fractionation). Source plasma donors may be compensated for their commitment.

Recovered plasma is collected through whole blood donation in which plasma is separated from its cellular components. Recovered plasma may be used for fractionation

In more than 900 specialized donation centers located in the U.S., Europe, and Canada, individuals may donate plasma through a process called plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis is a sterile, self-contained, automated process where plasma is separated from red blood cells and other cellular components of blood which are then returned to the donor.

Source plasma collection in the U.S. is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and, in Europe by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and national regulatory authorities.

In addition to meeting regulatory requirements, PPTA member source plasma collection centers are also certified by the International Quality Plasma Program (IQPP); a rigorous, voluntary program that goes beyond regulatory requirements to help ensure donor safety and further improve the quality of source plasma used for fractionation.