Plasma donations are essential in the world of medicine. The plasma that is collected is used to make several medications that can treat patients in need, such as those with severe burns, hemophilia, immune deficiency disorders, and other serious conditions. These are just a few reasons plasma donations are invaluable in helping people. Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible to donate. That is why it’s important for those willing to know whether or not they qualify.
This article will look at what it takes to donate plasma and what might disqualify you. Here’s what you need to know:
Qualifications for Plasma Donors
To be eligible to donate plasma, you must follow some requirements. Although the conditions are dependent on the facility, you plan to donate to. The overall requirements will be the same. The following requirements will be the same:
- Able to commit to the donation time (two to three hours)
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must weigh at least 110 pounds
- Must have your photo ID with you
If you meet these minimum requirements, you are ready to go ahead and make your donation appointment.
Disqualifications for Plasma Donors
Unlike donating blood, some factors will prevent you from becoming a plasma donor. If you are disqualified for one reason or another, there are still other ways to help people in need. It is required that you know why you are being disqualified so that you can avoid them in the future.
To become a donor, you must have a physical exam before being approved. Some of the things that will disqualify you are the following:
- You had a cold or the flu recently
- You got a tattoo or body piercing within the last year
- You recently had unprotected sex
- You were recently living in another country
- You just came back from traveling in another country
- You have had a hepatitis infection
These are only a few examples of factors that can disqualify you from becoming a donor.
How to Become a Donor
Although plasma donation might sound like a difficult task to complete, it is pretty simple. In order to make your donation, you just follow these few steps:
- Make an appointment with the plasma donation center. This can usually be done online.
- Arrive for your appointment 30 minutes before the time to ensure you meet all of the qualifications.
- Fill out health history information, as well as questionnaires.
- Make the donation.
- Finally, you will be compensated for your time and plasma.
Make sure to bring your photo ID to the appointment. The most important thing to remember is to be prepared. This will make your experience much more enjoyable.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, it’s not as difficult to donate plasma as it may seem. Make sure to understand the qualifications and disqualifications you may face before heading to your appointment. Once you know that you are qualified, you are ready to go ahead and schedule your appointment. If you are interested in getting involved in helping others, plasma donation may just be the way to begin.
thplasma is a different type of plasma donation company. Our company is steeped in community, driven by innovation, and guided by genuine care for our donors and employees. Our goal is to provide the highest quality service to everyone involved in the process. Find your nearest center and become a donor today!