We are no stranger to the fact that hundreds of people struggle and require our help, especially when it comes to medical needs. Besides donating and providing financial assistance, some need blood and plasma donations to help them fight and stay alive.
What Is Plasma?
Plasma is a component of the human blood and is the vital ingredient that treats a plethora of medical conditions, such as burns, trauma, bleeding disorders, and even immune deficiency. With that being said, when you donate plasma, you’re essentially providing a lifeline to someone who needs it.
Although donating plasma is quite common, many still don’t realize its impact on a single patient. Read on if you’re curious to know more about plasma donation, why it matters, and why you should start donating.
Plasma Donation Is Safe and Simple
Plasma, as mentioned earlier, is a component of blood and represents half of the total volume of our blood. Although plasma is 90 percent water, 10 percent contains essential proteins, minerals, hormones, clotting factors, immunoglobulin, and some waste products.
Just like donating blood, the process of donating plasma is quite similar, but with plasma donations, you can do it twice a week. During the process, the plasma is separated from your blood cells, which are then returned to your body.
Ideally, you want to go to a reliable plasma donation center to ensure that the process goes smoothly and following regulatory standards to avoid any complications. With that, you’ll feel more comfortable knowing each donation you make is made safely.
Why Do People Need Plasma Donations?
One of the biggest reasons people need plasma is because it helps support your immune system and plays a pivotal role in clotting blood to help prevent excessive bleeding. Here are some of the conditions that plasma donations cover:
- Bleeding disorder
- Liver disease
- Several cancers
- Immune deficiencies
- Respiratory disorders
- Hemophilia
- Burns
- Surgical bleeding
- Autoimmune disorders
How Do Plasma Donations Work?
Before donating, it pays to know how the whole process works so you can provide sufficient time throughout your day for the whole process. You should note that a plasma donation will take about two hours during your initial visit and 1.5 hours for the next donation appointment.
Step 1: Registration
First, you’ll be asked to present valid identification, fill out some paperwork, and go through necessary preliminary health checks.
Step 2: Screening
During the screening process, you’ll go through a physical examination and meet with your medical staff to review your paperwork, ask some questions, and sign a consent form for your donation.
Step 3: Donation
While you’re donating plasma, you’ll be connected to a plasmapheresis machine that is closely monitored by trained medical staff.
Step 4: Post-Donation
After donating, you’d be happy to know that aftercare is quite easy because you’ll be asked to recover with some refreshments in a comfortable space.
The Bottom Line: Plasma Donation Serves as a Lifeline to Many People
Since plasma donations help various medical conditions and don’t take up so much time in your day, consider donating plasma to plasma donation centers to help medical establishments have sufficient supplies in their space. Of course, you need to make an appointment with a professional to ensure you’re healthy and capable of donating considerable amounts of plasma.
How Can We Help You?
If you’re thinking of donating plasma any time soon, you’ve come to the right place.
Here at thplasma, we’re more than just a plasma donation center — we are committed to providing genuine care for our donors and employees as we are steeped in community and driven by innovation. Become a donor today!