Donate Plasma

Plasma is a yellow, liquid substance that is part of the roughly 12 pints of blood you have in your body. Through a process called plasmapheresis, you can donate a portion of your plasma to help drug companies make products to prevent and treat diseases including rubella, measles, hepatitis B, tetanus and rabies. Additionally, plasma treats hemophilia and some immune system conditions. Some plasma collection centers may collect plasma for cosmetics and other consumer goods. Your donor coordinator can tell you how the center uses the plasma.

Preparing for the Donation

 * 1) Determine if you meet eligibility requirements.
 * 2) *All plasma donors must be at least 18 years old. Some donation centers have a maximum age, which usually ranges from 55 to 65.
 * 3) *A plasma donor must weigh at least 110 pounds.
 * 4) *Because plasma is used in medications, you must be in good health and not be on medications for any medical conditions. Insulin dependent diabetes, HIV, hepatitis, a history of heart disease or a history of cancer disqualifies you from donating plasma. Pregnant women can’t donate plasma for at least six weeks after delivery. People with tattoos or piercings aren’t eligible to donate for 12 months after the tattoos or piercings were completed or touched up.
 * 5) Stay hydrated. Drink water or juice the day before you donate and the day you donate.
 * 6) Eat a nutritious meal at least two hours prior to your donation. Meals high in fat may cause a condition known as high fatty plasma, which will prevent you from being able to donate that day. Whole grain bread or pasta, lean meat, fruits and vegetables are ideal food choices.
 * 7) Bring two forms of identification with you to the donation center. Generally, your driver’s license or state/government issued photo ID. In the United States, you must present your Social Security card. In some other countries, a bill with your name and address is sufficient.

Donating Plasma

 * 1) Take a brief physical. The staff at the donation center will ask you for a urine sample. You will have to answer some questions about your medical history and step on the scale. Officials check your iron levels through a blood sample obtained via a finger stick. A staff member will take your blood pressure, listen to your heart and check your lungs and reflexes.
 * 2) Prepare yourself for a needle stick in the bend of your arm. When you donate, blood flows to the centrifuge through a needle in the bend of your arm. The blood will then go through a centrifuge, which separates red blood cells from the plasma. The plasma goes into a collection bottle and the blood returns to you through the same needle. This process will take one to two hours on average.

Leaving the Donation Center

 * 1) Leave your donation bandage on for at least an hour after completing your donation. The bandage allows the donation site to heal. In some cases, your donation coordinator may tell you to leave the bandage on for longer, depending on your blood flow.
 * 2) Eat a meal, stay hydrated and take it easy after your donation. Some donors experience lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness and/or nausea. This is partially due to the loss of fluids during the donation process.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Prepare Yourself Before Donating Blood
 * How to Donate Bone Marrow
 * How to Determine Your Blood Type
 * How to Draw Blood
 * How to Check Your Blood Pressure with a Sphygmomanometer

Sources and Citations

 * http://www.talecrisplasma.com/1.2.0_steps.aspx
 * http://thegreatfitnessexperiment.blogspot.com/2009/06/pros-and-cons-of-donating-plasma.html
 * http://www.cslplasma.com/s1/cs/enps/1165268013472/content/1165268013272/content.htm
 * http://www.biolifeplasma.com/html/plasma_derived_products/how_it_is_used.html
 * http://www.donatingplasma.org/whydonate/eligiblity.aspx