Plasma

Introduction

Plasma is the fluid portion of the blood in which the blood cells are suspended. Plasma in combination with the interstitial fluid makes up the extracellular body fluid compartment. Blood plasma can be prepared following centrifugation of a fresh sample that has been placed in a sample pot containing anti-coagulant. Whilst in the centrifuge the red blood cells separate and fall to the bottom leaving a layer of yellow plasma on top. The plasma can consequently be drawn off.

Blood plasma is to be distinguihed from serum which is plasma without fibrinogen which is separated following the clotting process.