What is plasma?

Blood is not only red. The liquid part of blood, called “plasma”, is pale yellow. The red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are bathed in this precious liquid, which is composed of 90% water.

Plasma is vital and irreplaceable

Plasma is rich in proteins, such as immunoglobulins, clotting factors, albumin and fibrinogen. These proteins form the basis for several specialty drugs which can treat many of the following conditions:

• immunodeficiencies;
• autoimmune diseases;
• neurological diseases;
• a variety of infections.

Each year, up to 160 plasma donations may be needed to treat some diseases with immunoglobulins. Plasma donations are vital for the survival and well-being of thousands of people.

Plasma donation, a golden opportunity to save lives

Learn more about plasma donation.

Let's demystify plasma donation

We asked a scientist, a donor, and a recipient to tell us about plasma donation and its impact on the lives of thousands of people in Quebec.

Find out how donations are used and get the straight facts on donation eligibility criteria. After that, you’ll be all set to plan your first visit to a Héma-Québec centre near you.