Blood plasma donation involves plasmapheresis at a donation center, with plasma used to treat rare diseases. Blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge, and separated into components, with plasma removed and replaced with saline. Donors must provide medical history and be tested for viruses. Rules on frequency and amounts vary, with some experiencing side effects. Donor centers offer compensation.
Blood plasma donation occurs when a person donates their plasma through a process called plasmapheresis, which most often takes place at a blood plasma donation center or donor center. The plasma that is collected from these donor centers is used to make plasma protein therapies used to treat many rare diseases and disorders. Some of the conditions blood plasma donations have helped treat are: bleeding disorders, immune system deficiencies, burns, shock, trauma, hepatitis, and more.
The first step of blood plasma donation or plasmapheresis is the removal of blood from the donor’s body. Blood is drawn from the arm through a sterile tube as it collects in a centrifuge. Next, the blood is spun in the centrifuge and separates into three components: red blood cells, platelets and plasma. The plasma is removed from the mixture and replaced with sterile saline and then returned to the body.
The blood plasma donation takes about an hour and a half after the first visit. The first visit takes longer because a donor must provide a thorough medical history and also be tested for transmissible viruses, such as syphilis, hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). If a donor exhibits high-risk behavior, drug screening will most likely take place. Additionally, donors must be at least eighteen years of age and weigh 110 pounds. (50kg in Europe). The initial visit usually takes about two and a half to three hours.
Rules about the frequencies and amounts of blood plasma donations vary widely. The US is the least restrictive with no annual limits, and other countries in Europe have annual limits. In the United States, donors cannot donate plasma more than twice in seven days, and there must be a two-day rest period in between. This is because the body needs that time to replenish the plasma lost from the previous blood plasma donation.
Some people experience side effects when donating blood plasma. Common side effects include, but are not limited to shock, seizures, dizziness, or fainting. The best way to avoid side effects is to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water three to four hours before donating plasma.
As the need for blood plasma donation grows each year, donor centers offer compensation for the time spent donating plasma. Some donor centers issue checks and others issue cash upon donation. Compensation varies between different donor centers.
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