Plasma Donation Rules

Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood that contains cells. It is collected and separated from whole blood for a variety of purposes including transfusion. It also can be used for the manufacture of therapies derived from human blood or in preparation of pooled platelets, as well as for the re-suspension of red cell preparations for transfusion.

• Plasma Donation

The Facts

• Plasma is essential in manufacturing of therapies that help thousands of people who suffer from chronic and rare diseases. Plasma donation takes place in appropriate plasma collection centers located throughout the world. There are more than 330 certified and licensed plasma centers in the United States and more than 25 overseas, according to donatingplasma.org. Like blood donation, plasma donation is a regulated process in which individuals should fulfill certain eligibility criteria prior to making the donation.

Rules

• All individuals must pass a predonation physical (a medical examination), submit to an extensive medical history screening, and be tested for transmissible viruses. The test for transmissible viruses screens individuals for hepatitis, HIV and syphilis (though this one is not required in all European Union countries), according to donationplasma.org. Other testing also analyzes the donor's urinalysis and hemoglobin levels. Most countries also require plasma donors to be at least 18 years old or older and weight more than 110 pounds.

Features

• Donors are often required to follow a specific diet with certain daily requirements of protein. There is a recommended amount of 50 to 80 grams of protein per day, according to donatingplasma.org. Protein should come from a healthy diet of meat, poultry, eggs, fish, cheese, beans and nuts. The donor's protein levels are typically tested each time there is a plasma donation and if the protein level is not within the recommended range, the donor is not allowed to donate plasma on that day.

Diet

• Individuals interested in donating plasma should consume foods rich in iron. These foods include nuts, beans, lean red meat, tuna and eggs. Besides the tests mentioned above, the plasma donor's hematocrit level is also tested. Hematocrit is a blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells found in whole blood. This measurement depends on the size and number of the red blood cells, according to the National Institutes of Health. Staying properly hydrated, getting enough sleep and avoiding caffeine and alcohol will ensure a successful plasma donation.

Considerations

• Certain individuals interested in donating plasma should inform the center's personnel prior to the donation, according to donatingplasma.org. These individuals include those who had recently had major surgery, those who had a piercing, tattoo or tattoo touch-up completed within the last year; and those who are suffering from a medical condition or are taking any medication.