America needs blood and plasma donors.
This article discusses what plasma is, the important functions it serves, and who’s eligible to donate.
Plasma is the liquid part of your blood that carries cells and proteins throughout the body. It’s made up of mostly water (92%+), but contains vital proteins and antibodies such as albumin, gamma globulin, and anti-hemophilic factor along with mineral salts, sugars, fats, hormones, vitamins, carbon dioxide, and oxygen.
According to The American Red Cross, plasma serves four important functions in our bodies:
Helps maintain blood pressure and volume.
Supplies critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity against certain diseases.
Carries electrolytes such as sodium and potassium to our muscles.
Helps maintain a proper pH balance in the body, which supports cell function.
The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) says that “plasma often is referred to as the ‘gift of life’ because it’s the essential starting material needed to manufacture therapies that help thousands of people worldwide with rare, chronic diseases to live healthier, productive and fulfilling lives.”
Donated plasma is typically used to manufacture therapies to treat people with (but not limited to):
Bleeding disorders
Cancer
Organ transplant recipients
Immune deficiencies
Severe liver disease
Trauma and burns
Our specialty pharmacy manages several medications manufactured from plasma. These treatments include Immune Globulin (IG) for neurology, immunology, and transplant patients as well as factor replacement products for bleeding disorders.
Our IG medication guides make it easy to compare products and reach decisions to fit the needs of your patients. Download these free charts now.
The Growing Need for Plasma
Because of the number of people who rely on plasma for medical treatment, there has been a growing need for years.
Nearly 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
Who is Eligible to Donate Plasma?
The FDA provides guidelines for eligibility and recently announced expanded guidance to address the urgent need for donations.
In general, you must be at least 18 yrs old, weigh at least 110 lbs, and be in general good health. As a new donor, you must also possess and present both a document with your Social Security number or an INS number and a valid picture ID (driver’s license, student or military ID) with your current local address. There may be some additional restrictions preventing you from donating such as recent tattoos, body piercings, prolonged residence in certain parts of the world, and/or other medical conditions. Check with your local donation center regarding restrictions or questions regarding your ability to donate.
It’s also important to note that as a new donor, you must donate twice within 6 months for your plasma to be used.
Both donations must pass certain tests and screenings needed to assure the safety and quality of the supply. Because of the time commitment it takes to donate plasma, plasma donation is eligible for compensation. The amount of compensation depends on the donation center.
If you have type AB blood, American Red Cross urges you to donate. AB is the only universal plasma that can be given to patients of any blood type. It can be given to patients immediately without determining compatibility. This time saved can mean the difference between life and death.
Type AB plasma donations – which the Red Cross calls “AB Elite” – can be made every 28 days, up to 13 times per year. The average donation takes one hour and 15 minutes, just a few minutes longer than donating whole blood.
Where Can I Donate Plasma?
To find a plasma donation center in your area, click the button below to visiting donatingplasma.org.
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