Apheresis makes the time savings possible. Every donation is monitored by a sophisticated computer and friendly, highly trained Red Cross professionals. Plasma is the clear yellowish fluid portion of the blood that transports water and nutrients to all the cells in the body. It is composed of approximately 90 percent salt water and 10 percent protein and electrolytes. Through the natural metabolic process, aided by a healthy diet, the body generates salt water and protein.
Blood is composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Plasma makes up approximately 55 percent of the volume of blood. About 7 percent of a person's weight is blood. An average size man has about 12 pints of blood. An average size woman has about 9 pints. The time a person spends donating plasma is valuable.