What are plasma protein and related products
Overview of products
Plasma is an important part of blood. There are many different kinds of proteins found in plasma. Today, more than 20 of these proteins can be purified and prepared for use as a plasma protein product that is tailor-made for patients with specific needs.
An ever-increasing number of plasma protein and related products are being developed. Currently, there are three main categories used in patient care:
- Immunoglobulin: helps patients living with primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders, autoimmune disorders and neurological disorders, among other medical conditions.
- Albumin: helps patients with liver disease, and patients being treated for shock and serious burns among other medical conditions.
- Coagulation factors: helps patients living with congenital bleeding disorders, like hemophilia A and B and von Willebrand’s disease.
Plasma protein products are made in six key steps
From start to finish, making plasma protein products is a rigorous multi-stepped process that can take upwards of nine months from the time plasma is collected from a donor. Learn more about the process step by step.
*Canadian Blood Services is responsible for collecting and testing blood components. The remaining steps are performed externally by manufacturers of plasma protein products.