Donating plasma is a life-saving act that has many benefits, not just for recipients but also for donors. Knowing that your contribution can save lives provides a sense of fulfillment. What’s more, many donation centers offer compensation for your time, making it a rewarding emotional and financial experience.
However, some people hesitate to donate plasma because of concerns about its safety. They worry if it hurts to give plasma and if the process has serious side effects that could impact their long-term health.
Below, we shed light on plasma donation safety and answer common questions about the process.
How Safe Is Donating Plasma?
Source plasma, or plasma collected from healthy donors via plasmapheresis, is used to create life-saving therapies for people with rare, genetic and chronic conditions. Plasma is also used to treat shock and severe burns and manufacture treatments to prevent tetanus and the rabies virus. Plasma donors are often considered everyday heroes for their crucial role in public health.
Plasma cannot be replicated in a laboratory, so donors are always needed to make sure pharmaceutical companies and medical facilities have sufficient supplies. However, concerns about the safety of the plasma donation process prevent many people from taking this life-saving action.
Contrary to the misconception, plasma donations performed at plasma donation centers are safe. Most donors feel little to no pain during extraction, and side effects are generally mild and go away independently.
Below are some key facts that support the safety of the plasma donation process.
7 Facts About Plasma Donation Safety
1. Plasma Donation is Heavily Regulated
An important thing to know about donating plasma is that it’s a heavily regulated process. Plasma donation centers must adhere to strict guidelines set by health authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommendations given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
These regulations are in place to ensure that donors are safe throughout the process and to prevent the transmission of diseases through blood products.
The FDA regularly inspects plasma donation centers to ensure they follow safety protocols. These include:
- Maintaining sterile environments
- Correctly handling medical equipment
- Conducting thorough health screenings
- Properly storing blood products
- Educating donors about the donation process, its potential risks, and its benefits
- Acquiring informed consent from donors before donation
- Monitoring donors after donation for adverse effects
2. Donors Go Through a Comprehensive Health Screening
Before donating plasma, you will undergo a comprehensive health screening to ensure eligibility. This screening includes tests for infectious diseases to protect both you and plasma recipients. Additionally, regular donors are re-screened periodically to ensure they’re healthy and can safely donate.
Many donors consider this mandatory screening an added perk of donating plasma. Similar to a wellness check-up, it allows them to monitor their health and identify any potential issues early on.
3. Donors Must Meet Strict Eligibility Requirements
While requirements vary depending on the donation center, generally, plasma donors must be in good health, at least 18 years old and pass the health screening. Certain conditions, medications, and a history of recent travel may disqualify you from donating.
These eligibility requirements protect the integrity of the plasma supply and ensure the safety of everyone involved, including donors. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, be sure to check with your chosen plasma donation center before visiting or making an appointment.
4. Single-use, Sterile Equipment Is Always Used
Each needle, tube and collection bag used in the plasma donation process is single-use only. Equipment or supplies are discarded after they have been used just once. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination between donors, prevents disease spread, and ensures the safety and quality of the donated plasma.
5. Plasma Donation is a Relatively Painless Procedure
Many potential donors worry about the discomfort involved in giving plasma. Fortunately, the process of donating plasma is relatively painless. Most donors report no issues beyond the initial pain when the needle is inserted. Additionally, the process takes only about an hour to 90 minutes. You can relax, read, or watch a movie during that time.
6. You Can Donate Plasma More Frequently Than Blood
Plasma regenerates faster than red blood cells. This means you can donate plasma more frequently than whole blood—up to twice a week—without putting yourself at risk. However, the American Red Cross and private plasma donation centers have frequency limits to protect donors’ health.
At American Red Cross facilities, you can only donate once every 28 days. Private donation centers may allow you to donate once in two days but no more than twice in 7 days. The latter frequency cap is based on recommendations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
7. Mild Side Effects Are Possible but Rare
While plasma donation is generally safe, minor side effects can occur. Some people might experience dizziness, dehydration, or light bruising at the needle site. These symptoms typically subside quickly after the donation without the need for medical treatment.
Donors are encouraged to stay hydrated, have a light meal before donating, and rest afterward. These simple steps help minimize the chances of experiencing side effects, ensuring your plasma donation experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Make a Difference: Set an Appointment to Donate Plasma Today
Is donating plasma safe? The answer is a resounding “yes.” It’s a well-regulated process with strict safety measures to protect donors and recipients.
However, donating plasma isn’t just safe – it’s also a heroic act. By making a plasma donation, you’re helping ensure that patients with genetic, rare, and chronic diseases have access to life-saving treatments.
If you’re in good health and meet the eligibility requirements, consider donating plasma.
Schedule your first appointment with ABO Plasma in Cherry Hill and join the many donors who are helping save lives across the country.