when you donate plasma what do they test for

Donating plasma is a great way to help those in need while earning a bit of extra cash. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood which carries the blood cells and helps regulate the body’s acid-base balance. It is used in the treatment of various medical conditions and is a vital part of the healthcare system.

Before donating, it is important to make sure that the process is safe for you and the person receiving the donation. To make sure this is the case, all donors are required to undergo a health screening. This includes a physical exam, a review of your medical history, and a number of tests on the donated plasma.

So, what do they test for when you donate plasma? Donors will be tested for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and other diseases. The tests used for these vary depending on the plasma center, but may include a blood test or a rapid test done with a finger prick. Additionally, donors will be tested for certain proteins and other markers which may indicate a lack of compatibility with the recipient.

In addition to the tests done on the donated plasma, donors may also be tested for drugs. This is done to ensure that the plasma is safe for the recipient. Depending on the plasma center, this may include a urine test or a saliva test.

After donating, the plasma donation center will usually call or email the donor with their results within a few days. If any of the tests come back positive, the center will contact the donor and explain the situation.

FAQs

Q: What do they test for when you donate plasma?

A: Donors will be tested for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and other diseases. Additionally, donors may be tested for certain proteins and other markers which may indicate a lack of compatibility with the recipient, as well as for drugs.

Q: How long does it take to get the results of my tests?

A: After donating, the plasma donation center will usually call or email the donor with their results within a few days.

Q: What happens if one of the tests comes back positive?

A: If any of the tests come back positive, the center will contact the donor and explain the situation.

For more information about donating plasma, you can check out the American Red Cross website at https://www.redcross.org/local/maryland/ways-to-give/blood/plasma-donation.html or the American Association of Blood Banks at https://www.aabb.org/patients-and-public/plasma-donation.

Donating plasma is a great way to help those in need while earning a bit of extra cash. However, it is important to make sure that the process is safe for you and the person receiving the donation. That is why all donors are required to undergo a health screening and tests on the donated plasma. This includes tests for infectious diseases, proteins and other markers, and drugs. Knowing what tests will be done can help to ease any worries you may have and ensure that the donation process goes smoothly.