Primary Component

Plasma

What it is

The liquid portion of blood containing proteins, clotting factors, and antibodies.

Derived from: Whole Blood, Albumin, Immunoglobulins, Clotting Factors

If you accept vs. refuse

Accept Why some people accept

Contains clotting factors and proteins needed for hemostasis
Used to treat coagulopathy (impaired blood clotting)
May be needed in massive transfusion protocols during trauma

Refuse Why some people refuse

Carries similar transfusion risks as other allogeneic products
Alternatives: specific clotting factor concentrates, tranexamic acid, desmopressin
Considered a primary blood component by many faith traditions

Alternatives

Pharmaceutical Volume Expanders Non-blood IV fluids (saline, Ringer's lactate, dextran, hetastarch) used to maintain blood volume without transfusion.

Related concepts

Topic Transfusion Risks Adverse effects of blood transfusion including infections, immune reactions, transfusion-related lung injury (TRALI), and iron overload.

Topic Faith & Conscience Religious and conscientious considerations in blood-related medical decisions. Some faiths distinguish between primary components and fractions.

Medical references

WHO PBM Guidelines (2021) World Health Organization guidelines on Patient Blood Management. Endorses bloodless care strategies as standard of care. →Henry et al. (2011) Anti-fibrinolytic use for minimising perioperative blood transfusion. Cochrane Review. →

In your Directive

Your directive will state that you refuse fresh frozen plasma or similar plasma products from donors.

Make this choice in your Directive

Your blood product decisions are recorded clearly and shared with your Care Team.

Create your Directive