Plasma donation is a rewarding act that benefits both donors and receivers. However, myths and misconceptions about donating plasma have often deterred potential donors from participating in this life-saving act.
Dispelling myths about donating plasma can help more people understand its importance. By addressing misconceptions head-on, we hope to provide a comprehensive understanding of the donation process and encourage more individuals to consider becoming plasma donors. These are some of the most common myths about donating plasma and the truth behind them.
Debunking Common Misconceptions About Plasma Donation
Myths about donating plasma can be harmful because it deters people from donating plasma. This can lead to less plasma available to patients who need it, leading to treatment complications.
Some people may hesitate to donate their plasma for various reasons. We’ve outlined some proven facts to debunk the most common misconceptions.
It’s Unsafe
You might be worried about infections, dangerous side effects, or mishandling during the extraction process that could lead to injuries. However, plasma donation is a stringent and highly regulated process that, in the hands of a qualified medical professional, the risks of these happening are very low.
Firstly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires plasma donation centers to ensure donors are qualified and healthy on the day plasma is extracted. If you don’t meet the required criteria of the donation checklist or if a medical professional determines some risk to your health, you won’t be asked to donate for your safety.
Second, while plasma donation centers welcome everyone to donate, there is a rigorous health check to minimize risk to all donors. While there are risks of side effects such as nerve damage, the risks are very low. The extraction is done by medical professionals or qualified staff with extensive training.
It’s Painful
You might be worried about the pain during plasma extraction. However, if you’ve ever had an injection before, you know that the fear of needles can sometimes blow your worries out of proportion.
In reality, the actual act of plasma donation itself is typically painless. The discomfort lies in the needle insertion, and even this is very minimal and short-lived. Most patients compare the feeling to a quick pinch. During the extraction, a qualified professional will insert the needle into your arm. Taking a deep breath or looking away during the insertion can help ease your discomfort.
Following your donation, you may experience side effects like bruising, which can cause mild pain. This isn’t the effect of the donation itself, but your muscles’ immune response to the needle. These effects will subside in a few days without needing treatment and will unlikely distract you from resuming your daily tasks.
It’s Not Rewarding
There are plenty of rewarding reasons to donate plasma. Even if you don’t have a loved one needing plasma, you could be motivated for other reasons.
Some people donate for financial rewards, as plasma centers provide compensation as a token of appreciation. How much plasma centers compensate for donations can vary between centers.
However, contrary to a common misconception, your income doesn’t determine your compensation. Plasma centers won’t ask for financial information and will compensate you with every session you attend.
Others donate because of the health benefits of plasma donation. After donation, your body will quickly replenish your plasma by stimulating the production of new plasma cells. This can have benefits toward a healthier immune system. One study also suggests that donating plasma can reduce cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Some donors donate to help others. There aren’t enough volunteers to supply the demand for plasma. By donating their plasma, these donors take pride knowing their donation will go toward someone’s essential medical treatment.
Plasma Donation: What Happens to Your Donation?
Misconceptions aside, plasma donation is essential for addressing the demand for plasma cells to help patients with treatments and therapies. Plasma has proteins and antibodies that help your body heal by transporting nutrients and carrying away waste materials.
Plasma can be used to treat diseases such as hemophilia and other blood and immune disorders that inhibit plasma cell growth. It is also used to help trauma and burn patients recover and prevent them from going into shock. Recently, medical professionals have started using plasma to help patients recover from severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Since plasma can’t be created synthetically, patients and medical professionals rely on donations. With plenty of patients, medical centers, and medicine manufacturers in need of plasma, your donation can go a long way toward positively impacting those who need it. It only takes a fraction of your day to provide a valuable plasma donation.
Save Lives and Donate Plasma Today!
Don’t let these misconceptions stop you from donating plasma. The process of donation is safe, relatively painless, and reported as a rewarding experience for donors. Sign up to become a plasma donor today!