According to the American Red Cross, approximately 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the United States alone. Plasma donations save lives, and now, more than ever, patients and hospitals need more donors.
In this article, we’ll share some reasons why you should consider going to the nearest plasma donation center to be a donor:
Make an Impact and Earn Some Cash
You can donate plasma up to two times a week. Each time, you’ll receive a compensation of $40 to $50. That doesn’t sound like much, but if you can donate plasma twice a week, you can make $100 to $150 a week.
Let’s say you’re able to donate plasma twice a week for an entire year. That’s about 220 times or roughly four years of donations. If you can donate plasma twice a week for four years, you can earn about $20,000. Pretty good deal, right?
Each time you donate, be sure to ask your donor center if you can take a break. You need to wait at least 48 hours before you can donate again.
Plasma Can Help Treat Some Immunodeficiencies
Plasma contains antibodies. Antibodies can help treat immunodeficiencies such as Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, X-linked agammaglobulinemia, and severe combined immunodeficiency disorder.
Antibodies in plasma can also help treat diseases such as anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) therapy or plasma exchange in treating primary immunodeficiency and autoimmune disorders.
Doctors and Patients Rely on Plasma Donors
Medical professionals use the plasma you donate to save lives. In fact, a total of more than 100,000 patients worldwide rely on plasma donations.
Plasma donations are used to treat burns, trauma injuries, and life-threatening diseases. If you can, you should consider becoming a plasma donor.
There’s Always a Need for Plasma
As mentioned earlier, 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the United States alone. Breast milk and artificial milk are also needed, but plasma is the most important.
Donating plasma is one way you can help save lives. For example, if you’re a type AB plasma donor, you can donate up to four times a week. If you’re a type O donor, you can donate up to six times a week. This means that you can donate plasma at least twice a week.
How to Prepare for Plasma Donation
If you’re considering becoming a plasma donor, there are some things you’ll want to do. First, you should check if you’re eligible to donate. You can check by contacting blood banks, plasma centers, and hospitals. Once you’re sure you’re eligible, you can prepare for your first donation. Here are some things you’ll want to do:
Make sure you have a valid ID. Bring the ID with you. Make sure you have your social security card on hand. Bring documentation about your medical history. Make sure you have a list of medications. Take note of your allergies and get immunized. If you have any tattoos or body piercings, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist. This is to avoid any complications. Eat a nutritious meal before your appointment. Drink a lot of water.
If you’re still not sure if you would make a good plasma donor, you can check the American Red Cross website.
Conclusion
While donating plasma is not for everyone, it’s for those who want to save lives. And as you have learned here, there are benefits to it, too. If you’re considering becoming a plasma donor, you should check with the nearest plasma donation center. You can also contact the American Red Cross.
Do you have any experience as a plasma donor? Are you interested in becoming a plasma donor? Contact thplasma and make a plasma donation today!