Donating plasma is a simple act that makes a huge impact. The plasma you donate is used to develop therapies for people with rare, chronic and genetic diseases as well as burn and trauma victims.
If you’re considering donating plasma for the first time or you are already a donor, but thinking about giving more frequently, you might wonder, “How often can you donate plasma?”
There is a consistent demand for plasma and every donation counts. But is donating plasma more frequently allowed, and is it safe?
Below, we dive into the importance of donating plasma and answer the commonly asked question: How often can you donate blood plasma? We also talk about any risks associated with increased plasma donation frequency.
Understanding Plasma Donation
Plasma is the liquid part of the blood, making up more than half of its total volume. It has many functions. These include transporting protein, nutrients and hormones throughout the body, helping the body heal from injury and clotting blood. Plasma also helps regulate body temperature, control blood pressure and keep blood vessels from collapsing.
Donated plasma is used in hospital transfusions and to make plasma-based therapies. Burn, trauma and shock patients benefit from the ability of donated plasma to replenish blood volume and control bleeding. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical products made from concentrated plasma are used to treat patients with chronic, rare and genetic conditions such as:
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Antithrombin III deficiency
- Hereditary angioedema
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
- Kawasaki disease
- Primary immunodeficiency
- Von Willebrand disease
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
- Hemophilia
Plasma products cannot be synthesized in a laboratory. Pharmaceutical companies can only manufacture these products when people donate plasma.
When you give plasma, you’re helping support the health of your community and ensure that patients with serious illnesses have access to life-saving plasma-based therapies.
Frequency Guidelines: How Often Can You Donate Plasma?
If you donate plasma at the Red Cross, you can donate every 28 days or a maximum of 13 times yearly. However, you may be able to give plasma more frequently if you go to a private plasma center.
The plasma in your body replenishes itself within 48 hours. This means that, theoretically, you can donate every two days. There are also regulations set by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) that private plasma centers must follow.
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) limits donation frequency to no more than once in 48 hours or twice in seven days. This means that you can give plasma up to two times per week, with at least 24 hours between each donation.
If you give twice a week, you can donate up to 104 times a year.
Plasma Donation Frequency: Special Considerations and Eligibility Requirements
Note that if you also give whole blood or double red cells, you won’t be able to donate plasma as frequently. You can give plasma eight weeks after you donate whole blood and 16 weeks after a double red cell donation.
Apart from FDA regulations, other factors determine whether you can donate at all. Generally, plasma centers require donors to be at least 18 years old and healthy. Donors must also test negative for viruses that are transmissible through blood, such as hepatitis and HIV.
There is also a minimum weight. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds because the amount of plasma that can be safely donated depends on the donor’s weight.
Before you are deemed eligible to donate plasma, you will be asked to undergo a physical exam and provide your medical history. Many donors think of screening as an added benefit of donating plasma, as it is essentially a free medical check-up.
Is It Safe to Donate Plasma?
Donating plasma is safe, and many donors don’t even experience side effects. Those who do report minor symptoms, such as:
- Dizziness
- Bruising or bleeding at the collection site
- Fatigue
These symptoms clear up on their own with rest, adequate nutrition and proper hydration. More serious side effects, like infections, are very rare, and they are treatable when they do occur.
It’s essential to donate plasma only at a qualified facility. Choose a plasma center that is certified by the International Quality Plasma Program (IQPP). IQPP-certified facilities abide by the highest standards of safety and cleanliness. Additionally, they are committed to donor safety and education.
Donate Plasma and Help Save Lives
Giving plasma is a selfless act that helps countless people live healthier, fuller lives. It is safe and takes only an hour or two to do, and you also get compensated for your time and generosity.
ABO Plasma is a healthcare company that collects plasma for use in making plasma protein-based therapies. We are dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable donor experience at our location in Otay Mesa. Our facilities are IQPP-certified, so you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re in good hands.
Book an appointment to donate today!