Plasma donation collects the liquid portion of blood, which is rich in proteins and antibodies used to create a variety of medications and lifesaving therapies. These pharmaceutical products treat conditions ranging from immune deficiencies and hemophilia to severe burns and trauma. This article clarifies the eligibility requirements for individuals who are currently pregnant or who have recently given birth.
Pregnancy and Plasma Donation Eligibility
Pregnant individuals are ineligible to donate plasma, a restriction that applies to all forms of donation. This deferral is a mandatory safety requirement enforced by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The rule is in place for the entire duration of the pregnancy until a specified period after delivery. This universal deferral protects the health of the donor and the fetus, as well as the safety of the plasma product itself. This deferral applies even if the donor feels perfectly healthy, as it is a necessary precaution based on the profound physiological changes occurring in the body during gestation.
Health and Safety Reasons for Deferral
The rationale for the deferral stems from changes in maternal blood volume and composition. Plasma volume can expand by up to 50% during pregnancy, diluting the blood and resulting in physiological anemia, where the concentration of red blood cells is lower. Removing plasma from this hemodiluted system increases the donor’s risk of developing anemia and experiencing dehydration.
The plasmapheresis process involves removing plasma and returning the red blood cells, which causes temporary changes in blood pressure and circulating volume. These shifts could potentially introduce stress or complications to the developing fetus due to reduced blood flow or pressure. Furthermore, the anticoagulant solution, typically citrate, is avoided during gestation to prevent exposure to the fetus.
Another concern is the safety of the final product for the recipient. Pregnancy can trigger the formation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies in the mother’s blood, developed in response to fetal blood mixing with maternal circulation. If plasma containing these antibodies is transfused, it can cause Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI), a severe reaction for the recipient. Because of this risk, all plasma from pregnant individuals is deferred.
Resuming Donation After Delivery
Once the pregnancy is over, a mandatory waiting period is required before a person can donate plasma again. The standard deferral period after delivery, miscarriage, or termination is typically a minimum of six weeks, though some centers may require a longer deferral of up to 12 months. This waiting time allows the donor’s body to fully recover, letting blood volume, iron stores, and overall health return to their non-pregnant state. The length of the deferral can sometimes depend on the type of delivery, with complications or surgical procedures like a C-section potentially requiring a longer recovery time. Lactation is generally not a reason for permanent deferral, but some facilities suggest waiting until the baby is introduced to solid foods.