plasma donation what is it

Plasma Donation: What Is It?

Plasma donation is an important source of health care for many people around the world. It is a process in which a healthy individual donates their plasma, a component of their blood, to a blood bank or health care facility in order to aid in the treatment of a number of medical conditions.

Plasma is the pale yellowish liquid component of blood that is made up of 90 percent water, 7 percent proteins, and the remaining 3 percent composed of salts, lipids, and other substances. Plasma contains clotting factors, antibodies, and other proteins that are used to treat many medical conditions. These include diseases such as hemophilia, leukemia, and immune deficiencies.

In order to be a plasma donor, one must be healthy, between the ages of 18-65, weigh at least 110 pounds, and have a healthy hemoglobin level. The process of donating plasma includes an extensive screening process to make sure that the donor is healthy and that there is no risk of passing on any disease. After the screening, the donor’s blood is drawn and the plasma is separated from the blood cells. The blood cells are then returned to the donor. The separated plasma is then tested for any infectious agents and is then stored until it is needed for medical use.

One of the main benefits of donating plasma is that it can help save lives. Plasma can be used to help those who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses or injuries. It is also important to note that plasma donation is a safe and simple process that can be done regularly.

FAQs

Q: Who can donate plasma?

A: Generally, healthy individuals between the ages of 18-65 who weigh at least 110 pounds and have a healthy hemoglobin level are eligible to donate plasma.

Q: How often can I donate plasma?

A: Generally, donors can donate up to twice a week. It is important to follow the guidelines set by the blood bank or health care facility where you are donating plasma.

Q: What happens to the plasma after it is donated?

A: After the plasma is separated from the blood cells, it is tested for any infectious agents and is then stored until it is needed for medical use.

Q: What are the benefits of donating plasma?

A: One of the main benefits of donating plasma is that it can help save lives. It is also a safe and simple process that can be done regularly.

Links

1. https://www.vitalant.org/Donate/Donate-Plasma.aspx

2. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/blood-services/plasma-donation.html