Plasma

Plasma is the yellowish proteinaceous fluid comprising approximately 55% of total blood volume. Blood plasma is prepared by spinning a tube of fresh blood containing an anticoagulant until the blood cells fall to the bottom, allowing the plasma to be drawn off. In research, blood plasma is often used as a supplement to cell culture media as well as a component of bioassays, immunoassays, or enzyme assays. Plasma provides a broad spectrum of macromolecules, carrier proteins for lipoid substances and trace elements, attachment and spreading factors, hormones, and growth factors that promote cell growth and health. Blood plasma is available for most species, and in sterile form for tissue culture, and non- sterile form for certain assay applications.