About Donating Plasma From Blood

Plasma donation is an easy process that many people find rewarding. While it is possible to extract plasma from a whole blood donation, a plasma donation alone allows more people to benefit. Plasma only lasts 5 days after donation, so donations are always needed. If you have already donated blood you will find the process very similar.

Plasma

• Plasma is a component of blood that is vital for normal blood clotting. Plasma donations are used to help accident victims, cancer patients, bone marrow transplant patients, and patients with blood disorders.

Requirements

• The basic requirements for donating plasma are similar to those for donating whole blood: you must be feeling well and healthy, weigh at least 110 lbs, and not have any exclusions listed by your donation site which can include using certain medications, some illnesses, recent tattoos and piercings, blood-based diseases, and drug use or sexual behavior that could put you at risk for HIV or hepatitis.

Preparation

• It is recommended that before you donate plasma you should eat a meal high in calcium. You should also drink lots of water before and after your donation.

The Process

• Donating plasma is similar to donating blood, but it takes a bit longer. The needle will extract your blood, spin it, remove the plasma, and return the rest back to your body. This may be done through the same needle or through a different needle.

Considerations

• You may want to bring a blanket with you to donate; when the blood leaves your body, it begins to cool from body temperature towards room temperature, which can make you feel cold. If your lips start to tingle, antacid tablets can help.

Compensation

• Some blood centers have reward systems in place that award points each time you donate, these points can be redeemed for gift cards and other items. Instead of donating plasma, you can also find for-profit blood banks that will pay you for plasma.