Do you want to make a lasting positive impact on your community and the lives of those in need? Donating blood plasma is one effective and helpful way you can achieve this.
Plasma is a valuable resource in helping treat various illnesses and emergencies. It is also the only treatment for some chronic, rare and genetic conditions. Medical facilities and pharmaceutical companies rely on donations because they can’t make plasma in a lab.
In this blog post, we will explore how plasma donations can benefit both the donor and their community and guide you on how to get started as a plasma donor.
What Is Plasma?
Plasma is a yellowish liquid that makes up 55 percent of your blood. It serves as the medium for transporting components like red and white blood cells, platelets, antibodies, nutrients and electrolytes. Additionally, plasma plays a vital role in regulating body temperature and blood pressure and maintaining overall health.
What Is Your Plasma Used For?
The plasma you donate can be used in the following ways:
- As Plasma Transfusions in Emergency Settings
In emergencies, plasma transfusions can be life-saving for patients who have experienced significant blood loss. It’s often administered to shock and trauma patients to stabilize their blood pressure and help stop bleeding. Additionally, it is used to help close burn wounds by providing the necessary proteins that promote the healing of damaged skin. - To Make Immunoglobulin Therapies
Plasma is a rich source of antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, which are used to produce essential therapies for individuals with immune deficiencies or chronic inflammatory diseases.
Immunoglobulin therapies, like intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), are commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. They can also be given to transplant patients to prevent organ rejection. - To Make Clotting Factor Therapies
Hemophilia and other blood-clotting disorders are treated using coagulation factors extracted from plasma. These clotting factor therapies are crucial in managing the bleeding episodes of patients with blood disorders and significantly improve their quality of life. - To Make Albumin Therapies
Albumin, a protein found in plasma, helps maintain blood volume and balance fluid levels. Albumin therapies can be used to treat patients suffering from burns, liver disease or edema by helping to rehydrate their bodies and restore normal blood volume.
Plasma is needed across different medical treatments, including trauma cases, autoimmune diseases and blood clotting disorders. With the demand for plasma far exceeding the supply, your voluntary donation can make a massive difference in the lives of those in need.
The Process of Donating Plasma
Before you can donate plasma, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as age, weight, and general health. As the requirements may vary depending on where you plan to donate, contacting the plasma donation center for the exact details is best. Generally, however, you must:
- Be in good health
- Be at least 18 years old
- Weigh 110 lbs or more
- Test negative for bloodborne diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Once you are deemed eligible, it is crucial to prepare for your donation appointment by staying hydrated, eating a well-balanced meal and avoiding caffeinated beverages.
The donation procedure involves taking blood from your arm using a sterile needle. The plasma will be separated from your whole blood using a process called plasmapheresis. The process takes approximately one to two hours.
After donating, follow the plasma donation center’s guidelines on recovering and caring for your body post-donation. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids, eat a healthy meal and avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours.
The Benefits of Plasma Donation for Volunteers and Communities
Through plasma donation, you become an essential part of the healthcare ecosystem, contributing to the health and well-being of people needing life-saving plasma treatments. Donating plasma saves lives, strengthens your community, and brings personal satisfaction.
Encouraging others to follow suit and raising awareness of the impact and importance of plasma donations is crucial in addressing the demand for this life-saving substance. Your act of generosity sets a compelling positive example, inspiring others to donate plasma and creating a ripple effect of compassion and empathy.
By becoming a regular plasma donor, you make a tangible and lasting difference in the lives of individuals in your community, all while promoting the spirit of volunteerism and generosity.
To get started as a plasma donor, make an appointment at ABO Plasma online or visit our location. Then, share your experience with your friends and family so you can all support a noble cause of giving back to those needing life-saving, plasma-based treatments, not just in your community but around the country.
Make a Difference and Donate at ABO Plasma
ABO Plasma of Glassboro is a trusted plasma donation center that collects plasma to help biopharmaceutical firms develop plasma-based therapies. These treatments are used by patients with chronic, rare or genetic diseases to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
When you donate at ABO Plasma as a volunteer, you can be confident that you’re helping improve or even extend the lives of these patients. We show our appreciation for our donors’ generosity by providing financial compensation.