Plasma is the fluid portion of the blood that allows the transport of leukocytes (lymphocytes, monocytes, dendritic cells, and granulocytes) platelets, and red blood cells to or from the tissues of the body. Plasma helps maintain blood pressure and regulates body temperature. It is composed of proteins, inorganic salts, nutrients, gases, and waste materials from the cells as well as various hormones and enzymes. Cell-free fetal DNA is also found in maternal blood plasma and can be used to develop useful screens for detecting fetal genetic disorders during pregnancy.

Maternal blood plasma is fractionated from vacutainer samples by centrifugation and supplied in conical tubes containing the anticoagulant Na-heparin. Harvested plasma contains a reduced platelet count due to the centrifugation process.

Collected from IRB consented donors.