Volunteering to donate plasma is a lifesaving act that can help people in emergencies. Plasma helps stop bleeding, and you can help save lives by donating it. If you want to donate plasma, you should know a few things. This guide will show you the basics.
Is Donating Plasma Safe?
Donating plasma is a process where blood is drawn from a person, the plasma is separated, and the blood cells and other components are returned to the donor. This process is similar to donating blood. However, it takes a bit longer since the plasma must be separated. The plasma collected can help people with medical conditions requiring plasma transfusions. Donating plasma is safe and helps save lives.
Who Is Qualified to Donate Plasma?
You must meet several requirements if you’re thinking of donating blood plasma. This is to guarantee your safety and health.
So to qualify for plasma donation, you must be at least 18 years old and in good overall health. You must be at least 110 pounds or 50 kilograms and test negative for viruses passed through blood, such as HIV and hepatitis. You must also pass the medical screening and present your accurate medical history.
The blood types most preferred for plasma donation are AB positive and AB negative. You may donate plasma every month or 28 days, but no more than 13 times a year. Moreover, some states allow donors as young as 16 with a parent’s permission.
Who Is Not Qualified to Donate Plasma?
Those in high-risk groups are not allowed to donate blood plasma. These people have tested positive for HIV, have a congenital blood clotting condition, or have Babesiosis or Chagas disease, a parasitic infection from ticks. In addition, those in close contact with someone who had viral hepatitis within the past 12 months or injected drugs or steroids without a doctor’s prescription in the past three months are also unallowed to make this donation.
How to Donate Plasma
You will first need to undergo a screening process to ensure you are eligible to donate. This usually involves answering questions about your medical history and checking your blood pressure and temperature.
Once you are cleared to donate, a staff member will help you set up in a comfortable chair. They will clean your arm with an antiseptic and insert a needle into a vein. The plasma will be collected into a special container while the rest of your blood is returned to your body through the needle. The process usually takes about 30-60 minutes. Afterward, you will be given a snack and a drink to help you recover from the donation.
Before you can donate plasma, you will need to fill out a medical history form. This form will ask you about certain behaviors that may put you at a higher risk of contracting bloodborne viruses. Once you have completed the form, a staff member will give you a medical screening. This screening will check your pulse, blood pressure, and body temperature.
A healthcare professional will take a blood sample from your finger to check your protein and hemoglobin levels. They do this every time you donate plasma.
Conclusion
Plasma donation is a safe and easy way to help others in need. It is important to know the eligibility requirements and the process before donating. Plasma donation is a commitment, and it is important to be honest about your health and medications. The staff at the donation center can answer any questions you may have.
thplasma is a plasma donation center in New Jersey proudly steeped in community, driven by innovation, and guided by genuine care for our donors. We treat every employee and donor as part of our family, sharing our passion for saving lives. Donate plasma and get compensated today.