Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, collected through a donation process. This fluid carries proteins, antibodies, and clotting factors vital for medical treatments. It is used to create therapies for individuals with bleeding disorders, immune deficiencies, and other serious health conditions. Understanding donation eligibility is important, especially concerning recent health events like COVID-19.
Donating During Current Infection
Individuals currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who have recently tested positive for the virus are not eligible to donate plasma. This restriction ensures the safety of both the donor and recipients. Donating while actively ill could pose health risks to the donor, as their body is fighting the infection. While there’s no evidence of respiratory virus transmission through blood transfusions, centers defer individuals with active infections as a safety precaution. This temporary deferral prevents potential illness spread. Donors must be in good health; feeling unwell, even with mild symptoms, is a reason to postpone.
Donating After Recovery
After recovering from COVID-19, a waiting period is required before donating plasma. Generally, donation centers require donors to be symptom-free for a certain period. Many guidelines suggest a deferral period of at least 10 to 14 days after symptoms have completely resolved or from the date of a positive COVID-19 test if no symptoms were present. Some centers might require a longer waiting period, such as 28 days following a negative COVID-19 test. A negative PCR test result after the symptom-free period might also be required by some facilities. Donors should always verify current guidelines with their specific plasma donation center, as recommendations can change.
Convalescent Plasma Donation
Convalescent plasma is collected from individuals who have recovered from an infectious disease, such as COVID-19. This plasma contains antibodies produced by the donor’s immune system to fight the specific pathogen. The theory behind convalescent plasma therapy is that these antibodies, when transfused into a newly infected patient, can provide passive immunity and help the recipient fight the infection. This approach has a history of use in treating infectious diseases when other treatments or vaccines were unavailable, including the 1918 influenza pandemic, SARS, and Ebola.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, convalescent plasma was used as a potential treatment, particularly before widespread availability of vaccines and antiviral medications. It was authorized for use, especially for immunocompromised individuals with COVID-19, to help reduce the risk of severe illness. Studies showed that convalescent plasma, particularly high-titer plasma administered early, may reduce hospitalization likelihood in outpatients and offer a mortality benefit for immunocompromised patients. While the World Health Organization recommended against its general use for non-severe COVID-19 in 2021, it noted that trials for severe and critically ill patients should continue. Convalescent plasma remains a therapeutic option, especially for patients with weakened immune systems who may not respond adequately to other treatments.
General Eligibility for Plasma Donation
Beyond COVID-19 specific guidelines, general criteria determine eligibility for plasma donation. Donors must typically be at least 18 years old, though some centers accept individuals as young as 16 or 17 with parental consent. A minimum weight of 110 pounds (approximately 50 kg) is a common requirement for donor safety. Donors must also pass a medical examination and complete a health screening, including testing for transmissible viruses like hepatitis and HIV.
Certain health conditions, medications, or recent medical procedures can lead to temporary or permanent deferral. For instance, recent tattoos or piercings usually require a waiting period of at least four months due to potential bloodborne infection risk. Travel to certain regions with high infectious disease risk, recent surgeries, or specific medications like blood thinners can also result in deferral. Donors are advised to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before donation and ensure they are well-hydrated and have eaten a healthy meal.