Plasma donation is a medical procedure where the liquid portion of the blood, the plasma, is collected and the remaining blood components are returned to the donor. This donation provides raw material for life-saving therapies that treat conditions like immune deficiencies and bleeding disorders. While the procedure is generally well-tolerated, engaging in strenuous physical activity, such as running, immediately afterward is strongly discouraged. The temporary physiological changes following a donation necessitate a period of rest to ensure a safe recovery before resuming a full exercise routine.
How Plasma Donation Affects Your Body
The primary reason to avoid intense activity like running after a donation stems from the temporary loss of plasma volume. Plasma is approximately 92% water, and a typical donation removes a significant amount of this fluid, along with salts and proteins. This fluid loss can lead to a short-term reduction in the overall blood volume circulating throughout the body, a state called mild hypovolemia.
The decrease in blood volume can result in a temporary drop in blood pressure, which the body’s systems work quickly to correct. During a run, the body demands a much higher rate of oxygen and nutrient circulation to the working muscles. With a reduced fluid volume, the heart must work harder to maintain sufficient blood flow, making it challenging to meet the demands of strenuous exercise.
The body prioritizes restoring this lost plasma volume, a process that begins immediately after the donation. The body draws fluid from the tissues to refill the vascular space, a process that can take up to 24 to 48 hours for full fluid volume recovery. Attempting to run during this recovery period can strain the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of symptoms like dizziness or fainting.
Guidelines for Resuming Physical Activity
After donating plasma, the first few hours are the most important for recovery. It is recommended to rest and rehydrate immediately following the procedure, often for 10 to 15 minutes at the donation center. During the remainder of the day, light activities like slow walking or desk work are safe and encouraged.
For moderate to intense physical activity, a waiting period is necessary. Most plasma centers and health experts advise avoiding strenuous exercise for a minimum of 24 hours. For a high-intensity activity like a long run, some experts suggest waiting up to 48 hours to ensure the body has fully restored its fluid volume. This period allows blood pressure and circulatory capacity to stabilize before they are challenged by the demands of vigorous exercise.
Preventive measures are highly effective in minimizing recovery time. Consuming a meal rich in protein and iron before the donation helps stabilize energy levels. Hydration is also a major factor, as drinking plenty of water or electrolyte-rich fluids before and after the donation supports the rapid replenishment of the lost plasma fluid.
Identifying and Addressing Adverse Reactions
While plasma donation is a safe procedure, donors may experience mild and temporary adverse reactions. The most common symptoms include slight dizziness, lightheadedness, or fatigue, which are a direct result of the temporary decrease in blood volume. Bruising or soreness at the needle insertion site is also a frequent and minor occurrence.
If mild symptoms, such as lightheadedness, begin to occur, the immediate self-care step is to stop the activity, lie down, and elevate the feet. Drinking non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated fluids and eating a small snack can help the body quickly stabilize. These mild reactions should resolve within a few hours with proper rest and hydration.
Donors should be aware of more serious signs that require medical attention, though these are extremely rare. Persistent fainting, severe pain, or symptoms consistent with an infection at the venipuncture site indicate a need for professional medical evaluation. A rare but possible reaction is a citrate reaction, which can cause symptoms like tingling in the lips or fingers, and requires immediate attention from the center’s staff.