Plasma cell
A type of white blood cell that produces and secretes antibodies. A plasma cell is a fully differentiated, mature lymphocyte in the B cell lineage. As with most cell types, plasma cells can mutate to give rise to cancer. Plasma cell malignancies include plasmacytoma, multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and plasma cell leukemia. Also known as plasmacyte.
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- Plasma donation
The donation or sale of blood plasma for use in medical or other products. Unlike blood donors, most plasma donors in the US are paid. The procedure is done in a walk-in facility, where whole blood is taken through an IV needle and separated into plasma and blood cells. The blood cells are then returned […]
- Plasma osmolarity
The osmolarity of blood plasma, which is a measure of the hydration status. The plasma osmolarity is sensitive to changes in hydration status during dehydration and rehydration. The normal plasma osmolarity is in the range of 280-300 mOs/kg. This may vary somewhat from laboratory to laboratory.
- Plasmacytoma
Cancer of the plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies) that may turn into multiple myeloma.
- Plasmapheresis
A procedure in which whole blood is taken from a person and separated into plasma and blood cells; the plasma is removed and replaced with another solution, such as saline solution, albumin, or specially prepared donor plasma; and the reconstituted solution is then returned to the patient. Plasmapheresis is used in the treatment of many […]
- Plasmid
A circle of DNA that is self-replicating (autonomously replicating) and distinct from the normal genome of bacteria. A plasmid contains genes that as a rule are not essential to the growth or survival of the cell. Some plasmids can integrate into the host genome, can be artificially constructed in the laboratory, and serve as cloning […]