Plasma is the liquid component of blood. Plasma makes up about 55% of the total blood volume. It contains proteins, water, and lipids (fats). Plasma donation is a process where plasma from a donor is separated from other components of blood and then used for transfusion to patients in need. Plasma can be transfused into patients with weakened immune systems or to burn victims.
Your plasma is used to create therapies that treat people with bleeding disorders, immune deficiencies, and other conditions. It’s also used to produce lifesaving medicines for people exposed to certain diseases during surgery or a transfusion.
Below are the requirements for plasma donation:
- Be 18 years and above
- Donating plasma in OremHave a body mass index (BMI) of 19 to 29.9
- Be in good general health, with no current or past medical conditions that may increase the risk of donation. These include liver disease or hepatitis
- History of heart attack or stroke
- Autoimmune disorders, cancer, or HIV/AIDS
- Have a pulse rate of 60 beats per minute or higher (donors with low blood pressure may be disqualified)
- Have no cold, flu, or fever symptoms at the time of donation
- Be free from any disease that is communicable through blood transfusion
What are the Benefits of Plasma Donation?
Saving lives
Plasma for transfusion is needed to prevent or treat serious medical conditions like hemophilia A and B, immune deficiencies such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, and other diseases where the body attacks its red blood cells (autoimmune hemolytic anemia).
Plasma donation in Orem helps patients diagnosed with cancer, e.g., leukemia, kidney failure, liver failure, or heart disease, in which clots form in the bloodstream (thrombosis).
Helping patients in need
Donating plasma helps patients in need receive life saving treatments. It’s an easy way to help people who require frequent transfusions or medications that use plasma proteins, such as immune globulins and albumin. Plasma protein therapies treat burn victims, premature babies, children with renal failure, and other conditions. Your donation could be used for research and development of new medicines too.
Health screening
Each plasma donation is subject to a comprehensive medical examination. The donor receives an annual physical examination, including a blood test and urinalysis. Donors are also screened for bloodborne diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and C. This testing has been proven effective in reducing the risk of infectious disease transmission among donors.
Replenishing your plasma supply
Your body has approximately 10 pints of blood, and when you donate plasma, you will replenish your plasma supply. Because plasma can treat so many illnesses and conditions, you need to replenish this supply regularly.
Regular health check-ups
Donating plasma is safe because it’s done under sterile conditions, and the equipment used has been thoroughly sterilized. You may need to undergo a physical exam before being accepted as a donor at some clinics or centers. You must also meet certain health requirements, such as being between 18 and 65 years old, weighing at least 110 pounds, and being in good general health with no infectious diseases.
Key Takeaway
The plasma donation process takes about an hour and involves a needle and syringe. The needle is inserted into your arm and then filled with blood. Once the blood is removed, it is separated into its components: red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Plasma, the clear liquid part of your blood, contains proteins that help your immune system fight infections.
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