Blood plasma is a vital component of the blood, making up about 55% of its total volume. It is responsible for various functions, from transporting nutrients, hormones, and proteins to providing healing factors that facilitate the healing of wounds.
Plasma also plays a crucial role in regenerative medicine. It harnesses the abilities of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to amplify the body’s natural growth factors in order to heal damaged tissues. To that end, donating plasma can contribute to the health and well-being of others who receive PRP injections.
If you are planning to donate plasma in Cherry Hill for the first time, we encourage you to read about how to prepare for your upcoming appointment. Read up on what to do before donating plasma to ensure a safe and successful plasma donation.
You can find more information about preparing for your appointment and what to do after donating plasma below.
Eligibility Requirements
Before donating plasma, you must make sure that you meet the following requirements:
- Your age must be between 18 – 65.
- The minimum weight you must meet is 110 lbs.
- You must be in good physical health.
- You must live within 50 miles of the Cherry Hill donation center.
- There must be no new piercings or tattoos for at least four months.
- You must have a valid ID.
- You must have a verifiable permanent residence for record-keeping and security purposes.
Causes For Disqualification or Deferment
Before making a plasma donation in Cherry Hill, you will need to undergo a comprehensive evaluation, which includes a physical exam and a check of your medical history. These checks are done to confirm your fitness to donate and the safety and quality of the plasma you are donating.
Aside from the eligibility requirements listed above, you must also understand what foods and activities to avoid to prevent disqualification or deferment. These are some examples of what you need to avoid before donating plasma:
- Alcohol Intake: As a diuretic, drinking alcohol must be avoided at least 24 hours before donating to keep you from feeling lightheaded or collapsing.
- Tattoos and Piercings: Since needles were involved, getting a tattoo or piercing within the last 12 months may lead to a deferment of at least six months.
- Certain Medications: Some medications, like angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can affect blood composition and may disqualify you from donating plasma.
- Coffee and Energy Drinks: Caffeine can also be a diuretic and impact your hydration levels and blood pressure.
- Greasy Foods: Consuming too much fatty foods can increase the lipid levels in the plasma, which may lead to sample rejection.
- Smoking: Avoid smoking cigarettes or tobacco for at least an hour before donation to avoid dehydration.
- Heavy Exercise: Vigorous exercises or physical activity before donating plasma can temporarily affect your blood’s protein and electrolyte levels and must be avoided.
What to Do Before Donating Plasma
The following are some of the things you can do to prepare for plasma donation in Cherry Hill:
- Since blood plasma is 92% water, ensuring you’re well-hydrated on the day of your donation can improve the quantity and quality of your donation. It also keeps you from getting lightheaded or dizzy.
- Have a well-balanced meal before donating. Consume protein-rich foods, fruits, and vegetables to maintain your body’s condition and support plasma production.
- Make sure you get enough rest the night before your scheduled appointment. Having an adequate amount of sleep can help you feel more energetic and reduce the risk of potential side effects.
- Prepare all the necessary documents beforehand to ensure smooth flow. The items you must prepare include your valid photo ID, proof of address, and other medical documents you may be required to show.
- Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing that provides easy access to your arms.
What to Do After Donating Plasma
After you have completed your donation, medical experts also recommend performing the following activities to facilitate your recovery:
- Take some time to relax and allow your body to recover. Resting will help your body replenish the plasma you donated.
- Drink plenty of fluids to replace the volume of plasma you donated. Water, juice, and sports drinks can help rehydrate your body.
- Be sure to eat a nutritious meal to help your body regain its strength. Include foods rich in protein, iron, and vitamins to aid in the recovery process.
- Give your body time to recover, so avoid activities that could strain you physically for the rest of the day.
- Keep the bandage on for the recommended time and avoid rubbing or scratching the area to prevent irritation or infection.
- Finally, if you plan to make multiple donations, you need to note down the date and time of your donation to track when you can donate again. You can refer to this blog for more information about how often you can donate.
Donate Plasma. Save Lives.
Your plasma donation today can help save the lives of thousands of people in need. By following the recommendations above, you can ensure that your plasma donation session is as safe as it is fulfilling. If you want to contribute to this worthy cause, you can sign up here to become a donor.