No, red blood cells (RBCs) do not have plasma.
RBCs are prepared from whole blood by removing the plasma, which is the liquid component of blood. Plasma contains water, proteins, electrolytes, and other substances. The process of separating RBCs from plasma is typically done through centrifugation.
Here's a breakdown to clarify:
- Whole Blood: Consists of both cells (RBCs, white blood cells, platelets) and plasma.
- Plasma: The liquid portion of blood, containing water, proteins (like albumin, globulins, fibrinogen), electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), nutrients, and waste products.
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Also known as erythrocytes, these are specialized cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. They do not contain plasma within their structure. They are, however, suspended in plasma when circulating in whole blood.
Therefore, when RBCs are isolated for transfusion or research purposes, the plasma has been removed.
