Plasma donation is a crucial process that helps save lives. Plasma, the liquid portion of blood, contains important proteins and antibodies to treat various medical conditions such as immune disorders, bleeding disorders, and burns. However, not everyone is eligible to donate plasma due to certain factors that could disqualify them from being donors.
Here, we will discuss the common factors that may disqualify you from being a plasma donor and why these restrictions are necessary.
Age Restrictions
The minimum age requirement to donate plasma is 18. At this age, an individual’s veins fully develop, making it easier to extract blood components like plasma safely.
On the other hand, the upper age limit for plasma donation varies by donation center, but typically, 64 years old is the cut-off age. As we age, our bodies may not produce enough plasma to replenish what has been donated, which can lead to complications.
Health Factors
The primary focus of the plasma qualifications is to ensure the safety and well-being of both the donors and recipients. Therefore, certain health factors can make a person ineligible to donate plasma.
- Chronic diseases: People with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders.
- Infectious diseases: Donors who have active infections like HIV, hepatitis B and C, or syphilis.
- Recent surgeries or tattoos: People who have had surgery within the last six months or have gotten a tattoo, piercing, acupuncture treatment, or permanent makeup within the past 12 months. This requirement for plasma donation reduces the risk of infection and ensures that any potential health issues are resolved before donating.
- High-Blood Pressure: Plasma donation centers also check donors’ blood pressure before each donation. If it’s high, they may not be able to donate.
- Pregnancy: Those who are pregnant or have given birth within the past six weeks due to changes in blood volume and potential risks to both the mother and the baby.
Plasma donors must honestly disclose any medical conditions and recent procedures during the eligibility screening process to prevent potential harm to themselves or recipients.
Medications and Vaccinations
Some medications can affect the quality of plasma or cause adverse reactions in recipients, making them ineligible for donation. These include:
- Antibiotics: People using antibiotics within the last seven days cannot donate plasma. Antibiotics can alter the composition of plasma and potentially harm recipients.
- Blood thinners: Those on blood-thinning medication, like aspirin or warfarin, may be disqualified from donating due to the increased risk of excessive bleeding.
- Acne medication: Certain acne medications containing isotretinoin (Accutane) or dutasteride (Avodart) can also disqualify a person from donating plasma due to potentially harmful effects on the recipient’s blood.
- Immune-suppressing drugs: Medications used to suppress the immune system, such as steroids or chemotherapy drugs, can also make a person ineligible for plasma donation.
- Vaccines: Certain vaccines can also make a person ineligible to donate plasma. For example, individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine must wait two weeks before donating plasma.
If you are taking any medication, PlasmaLab lists which medications can disqualify you from donating, the deferral period for each, and the reasons for disqualification.
Lifestyle Choices
In addition to health and medication-related restrictions, lifestyle factors can make an individual ineligible for plasma donation. These plasma-giving requirements include:
- Intravenous drug use: People who have injected drugs or steroids not prescribed by a doctor in the past three months risk transmitting infections through contaminated needles.
- High-risk sexual behavior: Donors who engage in high-risk sexual behavior, such as having multiple sexual partners or unprotected sex.
- Weight: A minimum of 110 pounds (50 kg) ensures donors have enough blood volume to safely donate without experiencing adverse side effects.
Traveling in High-Risk Areas
If you have traveled to or lived in a country with high malaria rates, you may be deferred or disqualified from donating, depending on the duration of your stay or if you contracted malaria while there. Blood and plasma donation centers take the risk of malaria very seriously because it can be transmitted through blood.
Zika and other mosquito-borne viruses are also a concern for plasma donors. If you have traveled to an area with a current Zika outbreak, plasma-giving requirements prohibit you from donating until the risk has passed.
Make a Difference—Donate Plasma Today
Donating plasma is an easy act that can save lives by providing essential treatments for patients in need. Be a hero and donate plasma at ABO Plasma.
At our Otay Mesa facility, we ensure plasma is collected safely and hygienically for use in plasma-derived therapies. We strive to make the donation process comfortable and safe for all donors. Plus, we offer financial compensation to thank you for your contribution.
If you’re a first-time donor, book an appointment and donate today! Use our donation checklist to see if you qualify.