Plasma, the pale yellow liquid component of blood, carries vital proteins, antibodies, and other substances throughout the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure and volume, aiding in blood clotting, and supporting the immune system. Donating plasma is a valuable act, as it is used to create life-saving therapies for patients with various medical conditions.
General Plasma Donation Eligibility
Plasma donation centers have specific eligibility criteria to ensure donor and recipient safety. Donors must be at least 18 years old and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (50 kilograms). A thorough medical history screening and physical examination assess overall health, including testing for transmissible viruses like HIV and hepatitis.
Certain conditions can lead to temporary or permanent deferral from donating plasma. Recent tattoos or piercings may require a waiting period, typically four months, to minimize bloodborne infection risk. Individuals with active infections, certain heart conditions, or uncontrolled high blood pressure may be deferred. Certain medications can impact eligibility; disclose all prescriptions during screening.
Specific Considerations for Older Donors
For individuals aged 70 and above, eligibility is a common question. No upper age limit for plasma donation is set by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Eligibility for older adults depends on their overall health status. Donation centers prioritize health over specific age, often requiring a medical examination to ensure fitness for donation.
Older donors undergo increased scrutiny of their medical history and current health. This review evaluates existing medical conditions and all medications. Conditions common in older adults, such as managed high blood pressure or well-controlled diabetes, may not automatically disqualify a donor. However, these conditions must be stable and within acceptable ranges at the time of donation, often requiring a blood pressure reading below 180/100 mm Hg. Some centers might request additional medical screenings or physician clearance for donors over a certain age. Honesty during health screening ensures donor safety and plasma quality.
The Plasma Donation Process
The plasma donation process, known as plasmapheresis, involves several steps designed for donor safety and comfort. Upon arrival, donors register and provide identification. Health screening follows, including a review of medical history, a check of vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature), and a finger-prick blood test for protein and hematocrit levels. A physical examination by a medical professional is also part of the initial screening.
Once cleared, the donor proceeds to a donation chair where a sterile, single-use needle is inserted into an arm vein. Blood is drawn and enters a specialized machine that separates plasma from other blood components like red blood cells and platelets. The machine then returns the remaining blood components to the donor’s body, often with a saline solution to help maintain fluid balance. The process takes about 45 to 90 minutes; first donations may take up to two hours. After donation, individuals are usually monitored for a short period, advised to hydrate, and avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day.
Why Your Donation Matters
Plasma donations are important because plasma cannot be artificially produced. It is a source material for plasma-derived therapies that treat various medical conditions. These therapies are used for patients with immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders like hemophilia, and autoimmune diseases. Plasma also treats severe burns and trauma, helping restore blood volume and promote clotting.
The proteins and antibodies in plasma are extracted and processed to create these medications. For instance, immunoglobulin, a plasma-derived product, helps individuals with weakened immune systems fight infections. The demand for plasma is constant, and each donation contributes directly to ensuring a stable supply of these treatments. Donating plasma makes a difference in the lives of patients worldwide.