Blood fractions are specialized components derived from whole blood. These components are separated to create concentrated therapies used in various medical treatments.
Understanding Whole Blood Components
Whole blood is a complex fluid composed of several key elements. The primary liquid portion is plasma, making up about 55% of blood volume and consisting of water, dissolved proteins, salts, nutrients, and hormones. Suspended within this plasma are three main types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) transport oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and carry carbon dioxide back. White blood cells (leukocytes) are a central part of the body’s immune system, defending against infections. Platelets (thrombocytes) are small cell fragments crucial for blood clotting, helping to stop bleeding.
The Blood Fractionation Process
Obtaining blood fractions typically begins with centrifugation. This method spins blood samples at high speeds, separating components by density. Denser elements, such as red blood cells, settle at the bottom, while lighter components like plasma remain at the top.
Plasma then undergoes further processing, known as plasma fractionation, to isolate specific proteins. This involves changing conditions like temperature or acidity, often with alcohol, to make certain proteins insoluble, causing them to precipitate. These precipitated proteins are collected, and the process may involve multiple steps to yield different protein products, such as albumin and immunoglobulins.
Major Blood Fractions and Their Medical Applications
Blood plasma is a rich source of various proteins, and several fractions have important medical applications. These concentrated protein therapies address specific deficiencies or provide targeted support for bodily functions.
Albumin
Albumin, the most abundant protein in human plasma, is crucial for maintaining blood volume and pressure. It balances fluid levels within blood vessels. Medical applications include treating low blood volume from trauma, severe burns, or significant blood loss. Albumin also treats low albumin levels caused by liver failure, kidney disease, or extensive injuries.
Immunoglobulins
Immunoglobulins (antibodies) are proteins produced by white blood cells, fundamental to the immune system. They identify and neutralize foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. These therapies strengthen weakened immune systems, reduce infection risk in individuals with immune deficiencies, and manage various autoimmune disorders. Immunoglobulins also treat specific inflammatory conditions and certain neurological disorders.
Clotting factors
Clotting factors are blood proteins essential for coagulation, the process that stops bleeding. Individuals with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia lack sufficient amounts of specific clotting factors, leading to prolonged or excessive bleeding. Factor VIII and Factor IX are common clotting factors used for hemophilia A and B, respectively. Replacing these missing factors through concentrate infusions allows blood to clot properly, preventing serious bleeding episodes and complications like joint damage.
Significance and Safety of Blood-Derived Therapies
Blood-derived therapies play a vital role in patient care, often providing the only effective treatment for rare, life-threatening, or chronic conditions. These treatments replace missing or deficient proteins, enabling individuals to lead more productive lives. Many patients rely on regular infusions of these therapies to manage their health.
Ensuring product safety is a primary concern, given their human origin. Regulatory bodies mandate rigorous donor screening and blood testing to minimize the risk of transmitting infectious agents. Advanced manufacturing processes incorporate multiple viral inactivation and removal steps. These methods, such as heat treatment, pH adjustments, and solvent/detergent treatments, eliminate potential viruses, significantly enhancing product safety. The continued availability of these therapies depends on voluntary blood donations.