Plasma is a nutrient-rich fluid that helps maintain important functions throughout your body, including fighting infections and preventing excessive bleeding. Plasma donations are used to create therapies for serious illnesses and many immune deficiency diseases.
Donating plasma is a simple, painless procedure that saves lives. Here are some reasons why you should consider becoming a plasma donor.
Plasma Is in Demand
Due to a decrease in plasma donations during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is currently an acute shortage of plasma that puts patients in an especially vulnerable position. This emergency shortage will continue for another year or more, as it takes at least 7-12 months for plasma to be turned into medicine.
It Only Takes an Hour
Donating plasma is a safe and easy process. The first step is to find a plasma donation center near you. Once you’re at the center, a trained professional will take a small sample of your blood to make sure you’re eligible to donate. If you are, the donation process will take about an hour.
Plasma Helps Save Numerous Lives, Even Newborns
Plasma from people who have recovered from an illness can help others recover from the same illness. It contains specific antibodies that protect individuals from disease and infection. Plasma has been used to treat hepatitis B patients as well as organ transplant recipients.
Plasma can also help prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), which is a blood disorder that occurs when a mother’s immune system creates antibodies that could attack her baby’s red blood cells during a future pregnancy. Rh-positive blood plasma can help protect pregnant mothers and their babies from complications.
You Can Earn Money While Helping
Whole blood donations are not compensated, but plasma donors can receive payment for their time. Plasma donations can be made up to two times in a seven-day period, as long as 24 hours are taken in between donations.
Plasma Helps Those with Bleeding Disorders
Some people have bleeding disorders that prevent their blood from clotting normally. The most well-known of these disorders is hemophilia, but there are others as well. Even minor injuries can lead to death if a person has a bleeding disorder. Therefore, plasma transfusions can be lifesaving.
It Helps Those with Genetic Conditions Like Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Donating plasma can help those with Alpha-1, which is a genetic, inherited condition that can lead to potentially life-threatening lung and liver diseases, including emphysema.
People with alpha-1 are deficient in a plasma protein known as alpha-1 antitrypsin. The only treatment currently available is augmentation therapy, a weekly infusion of plasma-derived protein into their systems.
It’s Not Possible to Create Synthetic Plasma
Plasma is the liquid component of blood, and it cannot be produced synthetically in a laboratory. To help treat and prevent life-threatening diseases, doctors rely on the generosity of donors to give plasma. For many patients, plasma is the only treatment available.
Plasma Helps Those with Immunodeficiency Disorders
Plasma is used to treat a variety of diseases, including immune-related disorders. The largest class of diseases that plasma treats are immune-related disorders, with hundreds of primary immunodeficiency disorders (PI) affecting people around the world.
People with primary immunodeficiency disorders are more susceptible to infections and autoimmune disorders. Plasma protein therapies help boost the immune system, allowing people to live more comfortably, safely, and independently.
Donate Plasma Today
If you’ve ever thought about donating plasma, it’s not as scary or as difficult as it sounds. It is immensely rewarding, will help you earn a little bit of extra cash, and will help those in need. So give it a try if you can!
If you’re looking for the nearest plasma donation center, consider donating to thplasma. Save lives and earn some money in return—find a center today.