Punjab’s first plasma bank opens in Patiala

Punjab’s first plasma bank for the coronavirus patients was inaugurated at Government Rajindra Hospital.

The process

The doctors first identify the positive patients who have recovered from the coronavirus. Thereafter, only healthy people, who do not have any other diseases and are below the age of 60 years, are selected for the antibody test to see if the patient has sufficient antibodies in the plasma. If the patient has required antibodies then only plasma is taken.

The doctors store the plasma in a bank at -30 degrees Celsius, but, before that, they have to freeze it at -80 degrees.

What is Plasma:-
Plasma is the clear, straw-colored liquid portion of blood that remains after red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and other cellular components are removed. It is the single largest component of human blood, comprising about 55 percent, and contains water, salts, enzymes, antibodies and other proteins.

What is a plasma bank:-

A plasma bank functions like a blood bank, and has been created specifically for those who are suffering from Covid-19, and have been advised the therapy by doctors.