Yes, immunoglobulin products, such as Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG), are derived from components of human blood.
Based on the provided reference, Intravenous immune globulin ("IVIG") is a product made up of human antibodies from blood donors. This highlights that the source material for immunoglobulin is human blood. The reference further clarifies that IVIG is considered a “plasma derivative” because it is made from the blood plasma (the liquid part that does not contain any cells).
This means that while the final product (immunoglobulin) does not contain the cellular components of blood (like red or white blood cells), it is directly sourced from blood plasma, which is a vital component of blood. Plasma contains essential proteins, including the antibodies that are extracted and purified to create therapeutic immunoglobulin products.
How Immunoglobulin Relates to Blood
- Source: Immunoglobulin comes from donated human blood.
- Derivative: It is made from blood plasma, which is the liquid portion of blood.
- Component: It contains purified antibodies, which are naturally found in plasma.
- Nature: It is a plasma derivative, meaning it is a product made from plasma, not whole blood itself.
Therefore, while you won't find red blood cells or other blood cells in an immunoglobulin preparation like IVIG, its fundamental origin and composition are directly linked to components sourced from donated blood.
This process allows medical professionals to use the beneficial antibodies found in blood plasma to treat a variety of immune deficiencies and other conditions.
