Plasma transfusion is given primarily to replace what?

• A. Coagulation factors
• B. Red blood cells
• C. Platelets
• D. White blood cells

Answer: (A)

Plasma transfusion is used to replace the clotting factors that are missing or consumed, helping to restore the blood’s ability to form a proper clot. Plasma contains most coagulation factors and other proteins needed for hemostasis, so it’s the go-to product when coagulopathy or anticoagulation reversal is the concern. This is different from red blood cell transfusions, which aim to restore oxygen delivery to tissues, and from platelet transfusions, which address low platelet count or platelet dysfunction. White blood cell transfusions are not routinely used and have very limited indications. Therefore, the primary reason to transfuse plasma is to replace coagulation factors.