Donating plasma can save lives, but not everyone is eligible to donate plasma. Some individuals may be turned away for health, lifestyle, or medical reasons, and understanding what stops you from donating plasma is an important step before your first visit.
Plasma is a lifeline for patients facing critical health challenges, from immune deficiencies and severe burns to rare blood disorders. Since these therapies are often their only hope, plasma donation is governed by strict safety standards that protect both donors and those who rely on every drop.
If you’re considering donating, knowing if you qualify and what might temporarily or permanently disqualify you is essential.
Who Can Not Donate Plasma?
While many healthy adults qualify, several factors may make someone ineligible for plasma donation. Certain factors like health status, lifestyle habits, medications, and temporary or permanent disqualifications can affect one’s eligibility.
Let’s explore them in detail.
General Eligibility Requirements
To begin with, donors must meet some basic health and demographic criteria. In most plasma centers across the U.S., including ABO Plasma, certain requirements must be met:
- Donors must be between the ages of 18 and 65
- You need to weigh at least 110 pounds
- You should be in generally good health
- Potential donors must present a valid ID and proof of address
Individuals who do not meet these initial requirements may be prohibited or deferred from donating. In some cases, the deferral is permanent; in others, it may be temporary, depending on the underlying reason.
Temporary Deferrals
Some disqualifications for donating plasma are only temporary. These may include:
- Recent Illness or Infection: A cold, flu, or other infections must fully resolve before you can donate.
- Recent Tattoos or Piercings: Depending on state regulations, there is often a 4 to 12-month waiting period after receiving body art.
- Pregnancy: Donating plasma while pregnant is not recommended, and donors must wait several weeks postpartum.
These plasma donation disqualifications ensure your body can safely handle the donation process.
Lifestyle-Related Disqualifications for Donating Plasma
Your lifestyle choices also play a crucial role in donor eligibility. Common lifestyle-related disqualifications include:
- Recent travel to areas with a high risk of infectious diseases, such as malaria or Zika.
- High-risk sexual behavior which includes unprotected sex with multiple partners or a partner who is HIV-positive.
- Recreational IV drug use is an automatic disqualifier.
The criteria above are in place to protect the plasma recipient, who may have compromised immunity.
Medical Conditions That Can Prevent Donation
Some chronic health conditions can prevent one from donating plasma. If you have one of these diagnoses, you’ll likely be deferred permanently, depending on severity and medical review.
- HIV/AIDS or hepatitis B or C
- Certain autoimmune disorders
- Active cancer treatment or a recent history of cancer
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart conditions
Medications That May Disqualify You
Certain prescription medications also result in temporary or permanent deferral. When in doubt, bring your medication list with you. The staff at plasma donation centers like ABO Plasma can help you determine your eligibility.
Some examples of these medications include:
- Accutane (Isotretinoin): This typically requires a 1-month deferral.
- Blood Thinners (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin): This medication generally disqualifies donors.
- Insulin from Cows: Bovine-sourced medications disqualify a donor due to the risk of Mad Cow Disease.
Why Honesty During Screening Matters
Honesty during the screening process is crucial for your safety and the safety of plasma recipients. You’ll be asked about your health, travel, lifestyle, and medications. Each question is designed to identify potential risks.
Providing accurate information ensures eligibility decisions are made responsibly. Withholding details can lead to deferral or permanent disqualification and may endanger vulnerable patients. Being truthful is key to being a responsible and trusted plasma donor.
What You Can Do If You’re Deferred
If you find yourself temporarily deferred, don’t be discouraged. Many disqualifications for donating plasma are reversible.
Here’s what you can do:
- Follow up with your healthcare provider to treat or manage any medical concerns.
- Ask the center staff about when you can return.
- Stay healthy and eat balanced meals, avoid risky behaviors, and get enough rest.
Even if you’re permanently ineligible, you can still support plasma donation through advocacy or by encouraging others to donate.
Additional Factors That May Affect Eligibility
In addition to the eligibility requirements mentioned earlier, lesser-known factors can influence whether you can donate plasma on a given day. These considerations often come as a surprise to first-time donors, but they are just as important in ensuring a safe and successful donation experience.
- Low Protein or Hemoglobin Levels: These are tested before each donation.
- Frequent Donations: You can typically donate plasma up to twice a week, but exceeding that limit results in deferral.
- Hydration Levels: Being dehydrated can temporarily prevent donation.
Make Your First Donation at ABO Plasma
By understanding what stops you from donating plasma, you’re already on the path to becoming a responsible, informed donor. Your decision to donate could give someone another chance at life.
For those eligible and ready to donate, ABO Plasma in Orem offers a safe, welcoming environment with a mission rooted in community health, donor comfort, and life-saving impact.
Ready to give back and make a real difference? Schedule your first donation with ABO Plasma in Orem today and become part of something bigger.