Donating plasma is a simple act that can have a life-changing impact on people with serious medical conditions. Plasma is used to create treatments for bleeding disorders, rare or chronic conditions and severe burns.
Because plasma is derived from whole blood and cannot be manufactured, its availability depends entirely on the generosity of donors. This makes plasma donation essential for supporting life-saving therapies.
Despite the importance of plasma donations, some may hesitate to donate due to a lack of information. This article aims to shed light on plasma and the donation process. By learning about donating plasma, potential donors can learn more about its impact and feel more confident about their decision to give.
What Is Plasma?
Plasma is the liquid component of your blood. It’s often described as the “carrier” that transports red and white blood cells and platelets throughout your body. Beyond that, however, plasma helps maintain your overall health by:
- Regulating Blood Pressure and Volume: Plasma keeps your circulatory system functioning correctly.
- Providing Proteins for Clotting and Immunity: These proteins help heal injuries and protect against infections.
- Transporting Electrolytes: Sodium and potassium in plasma support muscle function and nerve signaling.
- Balancing pH Levels: This supports the function of the cells in your body.
Despite its importance, plasma donation isn’t as common or talked about as whole blood donation. Many potential donors hesitate simply because they lack accurate information. Let’s change that by exploring 10 fascinating plasma donation facts below.
Top 10 Facts About Plasma Donation
Donating plasma benefits countless individuals worldwide. Let’s take a closer look at some facts and delve into why your contribution matters.
1. Plasma Makes Up More Than Half of Your Blood Volume
Plasma is a light yellow liquid that makes up approximately 55% of your blood. It is essential in transporting nutrients, hormones and waste products throughout your body, working alongside red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to maintain overall health.
2. It’s Collected Separately From Whole Blood
Plasma donation involves a process called plasmapheresis, which separates plasma from other blood components using a special machine. Only the plasma is collected; red and white blood cells and platelets are returned to your body.
3. Donors Can Give Plasma More Frequently Than Whole Blood
Since your body replenishes plasma quickly, you can donate more often than whole blood. At private plasma donation centers, you can give plasma up to twice a week, with at least a 48-hour gap between donations.
4. Two Key Medical Exams Are Performed Before Donation
Before donating plasma, you’ll typically undergo two evaluations:
- A health screening and medical history review to ensure you meet the donation center’s eligibility criteria
- A physical exam to confirm that you’re in good health and ready to donate
These precautions safeguard both you and the patients relying on your donation.
5. Plasma Donation Is Safe
Private plasma donation centers, particularly those certified by the International Quality Plasma Program (IQPP) like ABO Plasma in Glassboro, are strictly regulated. IQPP-certified plasma donation facilities are staffed by highly-trained healthcare professionals who use sterile, single-use equipment to eliminate any risk of infection or disease transmission.
While symptoms like soreness at the injection site can occur, these are generally mild and go away without requiring treatment.
6. It Takes About 45 Minutes To Donate Plasma
While the initial donation can take about an hour or more due to health screenings and other requirements for first-time donors, your subsequent visits will take much less time — about 45 minutes. Many donors use this time to relax, watch videos on their phones or listen to music.
7. Plasma Donation Supports Critical Treatments
Plasma is a key component in therapies for immune disorders, bleeding disorders and severe burns. These treatments can only be made with plasma from donations, as synthetic alternatives cannot fully replicate the benefits of natural plasma.
8. Plasma Can Be Frozen for Long-Term Use
Unlike other blood components, plasma can be frozen and stored for up to a year. This helps ensure that supplies are available for emergencies and ongoing medical needs.
9. Plasma Donations Help Advance Medical Research
Plasma isn’t just used for treatments — it also supports clinical research. Donated plasma contributes to developing new therapies for rare diseases and medical conditions, offering hope to countless patients.
10. Donors Are Often Compensated for Their Time
Many plasma donation centers offer compensation to thank donors and encourage regular contributions. This makes donating plasma not only impactful but also financially rewarding.
Make a Difference — Donate Plasma
Plasma donation is an excellent opportunity to help improve the lives of others. Whether it’s helping someone recover from a critical illness or advancing research for future treatments, your plasma donation makes a real difference.
ABO Plasma in Glassboro makes the donation process easy and accessible. First-time donors can learn more about the process on our website before they book an appointment. Meanwhile, returning donors can walk in any time during operating hours. Moreover, we appreciate your time and contribution by offering financial compensation.
To schedule your first appointment, please get in touch.