Whole plasma is used for plasma exchange and for patients needing massive transfusions.
Among other things, plasma contains many proteins that are known to be of clinical benefit in the treatment of many conditions. Now more and more companies have developed hyperimmune globulins that are admininistered intravenously. These can be used to treat persons with certain immune deficiencies such as primary immune deficiency or persons who are immunosuppressed. Recently IVIG has been found to provide clinical benefit in the treatment of a variety of neurological, autoimmune and other diseases. This is a rapidly expanding area of research and treatment.