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BIOLOGY, M2 2015 HSC 27

  1. Outline TWO differences between whole blood and plasma.  (2 marks)

The steps below show the preparation and use of blood products in the treatment of Ebola Virus Disease. This disease is characterised by significant blood loss.

  1. Explain why this protocol produces an effective treatment for Ebola Virus Disease.  (3 marks)

Show Answers Only

a.    Whole blood and plasma differences:

→ Whole blood contains cells including WBC’s, RBC’s and platelets while plasma does not.

→ Plasma is a straw coloured liquid and whole blood is a thick red liquid.
 

b.   Answers could include:

→ The plasma will contain antibodies for this disease because it has been taken from someone who has survived the disease. This will help to immobilise the virus in recipients blood stream.

→ Screening blood prevents the spread of Ebola and other blood-borne diseases from donor to recipient.

→ The plasma is separated from the whole blood meaning no blood type match is needed as there are no cells in the plasma but it still contains the beneficial antibodies.

Show Worked Solution

a.    Whole blood and plasma differences:

→ Whole blood contains cells including WBC’s, RBC’s and platelets while plasma does not.

→ Plasma is a straw coloured liquid and whole blood is a thick red liquid.

♦ Mean mark (a) 49%.

b.   Answers could include:

→ The plasma will contain antibodies for this disease because it has been taken from someone who has survived the disease. This will help to immobilise the virus in recipients blood stream.

→ Screening blood prevents the spread of Ebola and other blood-borne diseases from donor to recipient.

→ The plasma is separated from the whole blood meaning no blood type match is needed as there are no cells in the plasma but it still contains the beneficial antibodies.