Plasma, a yellowish liquid component of blood, carries antibodies, proteins, and clotting factors. It is an important element in various medical treatments, supporting patients with serious conditions. Donating plasma contributes to healthcare, as plasma-derived therapies are regularly needed to manage life-threatening diseases and improve patient outcomes.
Specific Eligibility After COVID-19
Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 can generally donate plasma, provided they meet specific health criteria. A common guideline requires a deferral period of at least 10 days following the complete resolution of symptoms or from the date of a positive COVID-19 test, whichever is later. Eligibility for donation after a COVID-19 infection also depends on the type of plasma being donated. Convalescent plasma, which contains antibodies specifically developed against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was widely sought during the pandemic. However, many blood collection organizations have since discontinued or significantly reduced their collection due to sufficient supply or changes in treatment protocols.
For general plasma donation, having previously had COVID-19 does not typically prevent eligibility, as long as the donor is symptom-free and feeling well. Donors who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are also generally eligible to donate plasma. While most mRNA-based vaccines (like Pfizer and Moderna) have no deferral period, some specific vaccines (like Johnson & Johnson) or unknown vaccine types might require a 14-day wait before donation.
General Plasma Donation Requirements
Beyond specific considerations for COVID-19, several universal requirements apply to all plasma donors. Potential donors must typically be at least 18 years old, although some centers may have an upper age limit of 70 or 74 years. Donors also need to weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (approximately 50 kilograms). Prior to each donation, individuals undergo a comprehensive health screening, which includes a medical history review and a brief physical examination. This screening assesses general health, checks vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, and temperature, and involves a finger prick test to measure protein and hematocrit levels.
Donors must test non-reactive for transmissible viruses like HIV and hepatitis. Recent tattoos or piercings may lead to a temporary deferral, typically ranging from four to twelve months. Donors are also required to disclose any medications they are taking or recent travel to certain regions, as these factors can affect eligibility. Valid identification, proof of social security number, and proof of current address are standard requirements for registration at a donation center.
Understanding the Donation Process
The plasma donation process, known as plasmapheresis, involves several distinct steps. Upon arrival at a donation center, individuals first complete registration and a detailed health questionnaire. This is followed by a health screening, where medical professionals check vital signs and perform a small blood test to assess suitability for donation. For first-time donors, a more thorough physical examination is typically conducted.
Once cleared, the donor is comfortably seated, and a sterile, single-use needle is inserted into a vein, usually in the arm. Blood is then drawn and channeled into a specialized machine that separates the plasma from other blood components, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These remaining blood components are then returned to the donor’s body, often with a saline solution to help maintain fluid volume. The entire plasmapheresis procedure typically takes between 45 to 90 minutes, though a first-time donation may extend up to two hours due to initial screening. After the donation, donors are encouraged to rest briefly, consume refreshments, and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day.
The Medical Uses of Plasma
Donated plasma is a source for plasma-derived therapies, which treat numerous diseases and conditions. These therapies replace missing or deficient proteins in patients, allowing them to manage chronic or life-threatening disorders. Plasma is used to create treatments for bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia A and B, and von Willebrand disease, by providing essential clotting factors that patients lack.
Individuals with primary immunodeficiency diseases, where the body’s immune system is compromised, rely on plasma-derived immunoglobulins to bolster their defenses against infections. Plasma is also applied in critical care settings for patients suffering from severe burns, shock, or trauma, helping to maintain blood pressure and volume. Additionally, plasma-derived therapies address certain autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including hereditary angioedema and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, by regulating the immune response or providing specific proteins that control inflammation.