How to Donate Plasma in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Plasma, the liquid component of blood that accompanies white and red blood cells, makes up 55 percent of blood. Frequently used to treat hemophilia, burns and immune deficiencies, plasma is a key ingredient to medical therapies. In plasma donation, blood is removed. The plasma is sorted from the red and white cells, which are put back in the donor's bloodstream. Donating plasma not only saves lives but often comes with a cash incentive. In Chattanooga, Tennessee, donating plasma is easy and relatively painless.

Instructions

• 1

  Meet the health requirements. To give plasma, the FDA requires medical screening for donors. Blood tests determine a donor's fitness. Donors should be 18 or older, and weigh at least 110 pounds.

• 2

  Keep a healthy diet. Eating balanced meals and drinking plenty of fluids helps pass the medical screening. This is especially important after donating plasma, as proper meals and fluids help the body restore lost plasma.

• 3

  Locate a donation center. In Chattanooga, CPL Plasma accepts plasma donations for cash, and has two locations, on Riverside Drive and Rossville Boulevard. Check with local hospitals, such as Memorial Hospital, for plasma center referrals.

• 4

  Check with the donation center before donating. Some centers require reservations. It also is helpful to know the requirements for donating plasma, donation center hours and regulations.

• 5

  Donate plasma. Plasma is taken through a process called plasmapheresis, wherein blood is drawn from the donor and plasma separated from the red and white blood cells. The cells are then returned to the donor and the plasma kept by the center.

• 6

  Donate again. Individuals are allowed to donate plasma no more than twice a week to allow the body to regenerate plasma. FDA regulations state that an individual may not donate more than once in two days.