Every year, thousands of patients rely on plasma donations to manage chronic conditions like hemophilia, severe burns, immune deficiencies, and other chronic illnesses. Plasma is an essential liquid component of blood that carries essential proteins and antibodies and plays a crucial role in modern healthcare.
Despite its importance, plasma donation is often surrounded by misinformation and misconceptions that can discourage people from donating. If you live in or near Glassboro, NJ, and have been considering plasma donation but feel uncertain, here are some of the most common plasma donation myths and the truth behind them to help you make an informed decision.
Why Misinformation Prevents Potential Donors From Participating
Misinformation can create unnecessary fear, which can discourage those interested to donate plasma. Some people worry about their health, while others are unsure about the safety and cleanliness of donation centers.
These plasma donation myths can prevent generous individuals from donating plasma, limiting the supply available for patients who desperately need it. By dispelling these plasma donation myths and presenting the facts, we hope to reassure potential donors that plasma donation is a safe, straightforward, and rewarding experience.
Myth #1: Plasma Donation is Painful
Fact: Most donors describe plasma donation as a relatively painless experience. The only moment you may feel discomfort is during the initial needle insertion. If you’ve had injections in the past, you know that the sensation feels similar to an ant bite. After the needle is placed, the process is virtually painless.
Myth #2: Donating Plasma is Dangerous for Your Health
Fact: Plasma donation is a safe process. When you donate plasma at a facility licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you can trust that the staff adheres to strict standards. This protects donors’ health and safety while ensuring plasma recipients receive quality donations.
Qualified medical professionals supervise the donation process. Before every donation, donors must pass thorough health screenings to ensure they are eligible and that the donation is safe. This includes checking vital signs, protein levels, and iron levels. Those who don’t meet the basic requirements are rejected or deferred to donate at a later date.
Additionally, your body can quickly recover from your plasma donation. Your plasma replenishes within 24 to 48 hours, so we require patients to wait at least 48 hours before their second donation.
Myth #3: Plasma Donation Takes Too Long
Fact: The first plasma donation visit may take up to two to three hours due to registration, screening, and health evaluations. However, subsequent donations are usually much quicker. Once you’re in your donation center’s system, you can skip the lengthy registration process and physical exam and go straight to check-in and donation. This reduces the process to approximately 90 minutes to two hours.
While plasma extraction is ongoing, many donors pass the time by relaxing, reading a book, watching videos on their phones, or listening to music.
Myth #4: Plasma Donation Is Only for Financial Compensation
Fact: While donors are compensated for their time and effort, many people donate plasma to help others. Like blood, plasma can’t be replicated artificially, so medical centers and research facilities rely solely on donations. This is why many people opt to give back through their plasma donations.
Plasma donations support medical treatments for patients with immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, traumatic burns, and those recovering post-surgery. It can also be used in medical research facilities to discover new ways to leverage plasma for therapies.
Through plasma donation, donors gain a sense of fulfillment knowing they are making a life-changing impact. Beyond compensation, plasma donation is an act of kindness and compassion that benefits the entire community.
Myth #5: You Can Get Sick From Donating Plasma
Fact: Plasma donation does not make you sick, especially when proper preparation and aftercare are followed. In addition to donation center staff ensuring that every donor is healthy before donating, donors are highly encouraged to stay hydrated, eat a nutritious meal before donating, and rest afterward.
Some donors may experience fatigue or lightheadedness following their donation. This is often a side effect of dehydration, as plasma extraction reduces the fluids in the body. These effects are temporary, and practices like drinking plenty of water post-donation can minimize or prevent them.
Myth #6: Plasma Donation Centers Aren’t Safe or Hygienic
Fact: Reputable plasma donation centers, like ABO Plasma Glassboro, follow rigorous health, safety, and sanitation protocols. Our staff ensures that the center is meticulously maintained, with all equipment sterilized and single-use materials employed to ensure cleanliness and safety. From the reception area to the donor stations, you can expect a hygienic plasma donation in Glassboro, NJ.
Give Back to Your Community By Donating Plasma at ABO Plasma!
Plasma donation is a safe, straightforward, and profoundly rewarding process. Unfortunately, plasma donation myths often prevent people from seeing just how safe and easy the process can be.
At ABO Plasma Glassboro, we’re committed to making your donation experience as safe and comfortable as possible. Become a donor and give someone a second chance at life. Schedule your appointment today.