Question

The blood product used for expanding plasma volume is

• A. Platelets
• B. Packed red cells
• C. Cryoprecipitate
• D. Albumin

Hint:

Different blood products are given for different clinical needs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understand what plasma volume expanders do.
When a patient loses blood or fluid rapidly, the plasma volume drops. We need a substance that stays in the blood vessels and pulls fluid back in from tissues. This is called a plasma volume expander or colloid.

Step 2: Review the blood products listed.
Option 1 Platelets are given to help clotting, not to expand volume. Option 2 Packed red cells restore oxygen-carrying capacity, not primarily volume. Option 3 Cryoprecipitate contains clotting factors like fibrinogen and Factor VIII, used in coagulation disorders.

Step 3: Focus on Albumin.
Albumin is the main protein in plasma. It creates oncotic pressure inside blood vessels. When you infuse albumin, it draws water from the interstitial space back into the circulation, raising the plasma volume effectively.

Step 4: Why albumin is the right choice.
Albumin solution (4.5% or 20%) is a well-established colloid used in hypovolaemia, burns, and hypoalbuminaemia. It expands intravascular volume much more effectively than crystalloids per unit volume.

Step 5: Eliminate the distractors.
Platelets, packed red cells, and cryoprecipitate all have specific haematological indications. None of them is used primarily to expand plasma volume the way albumin is.


Answer: Option (4) — Albumin