What Is Plasma?

Lab Tests1 min read
Written By Dr. Mitch Rice, D.O.

What Is Plasma?

Plasma is the largest portion of your “whole blood” representing about 55% of your total blood volume. Whole blood has three major components:

  • Plasma (55%) = Water + Proteins

  • Buffy coat (1%) = WBC + Platelets

  • RBCs (44%) = "Traditional blood"

Plasma thus represents the liquid component of your blood. It makes your blood runny like when you have a nose blood or you cut yourself.

What Makes Up Plasma?

The largest portion of plasma is water (90%). The other 10% if made up of fats, proteins, ions, sugar, and waste products. This 10% help maintain the acidity (pH) of your blood as well as the osmotic balance (fancy term for making sure your blood stays within your blood vessels). One of the most important factors in maintaining the osmotic balance is a protein called albumin, which is the most common protein found within your plasma.

Dr. Mitch Rice, D.O.

Hi everyone! My name is Mitch and I am a recent medical school graduate. I write and create videos on topics concerning health, wellness, and medicine. Stay tuned for new content every Sunday at 12 pm EST!

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