Plasma, a light amber liquid, constitutes approximately 55% of total blood volume. It serves as blood’s fluid component, carrying red and white blood cells, platelets, proteins, hormones, and nutrients throughout the circulatory system. Plasma maintains blood pressure, regulates body temperature, and transports waste products for removal.
Plasma is widely used in various medical treatments and therapies. It provides clotting factors for individuals with bleeding disorders and immune proteins for those with immune deficiencies. Burn victims, trauma patients, and individuals suffering from shock also receive plasma transfusions to help restore blood volume and prevent complications.
Plasma Donation Volume Limits
The amount of plasma an individual can donate during a single session is determined by the donor’s body weight. Regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), establish these limits to prioritize donor safety and ensure plasma quality. A typical donation yields approximately 625 to 800 milliliters of plasma.
During donation, apheresis is used. This specialized machine draws whole blood from a vein, separates plasma from other blood components, and returns the remaining red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to the donor. This selective collection allows for a larger volume of plasma compared to traditional whole blood donation, while minimizing impact on the donor’s red blood cell count.
Plasma Donation Frequency
Individuals can donate plasma more frequently than whole blood because the body quickly replenishes plasma components, primarily water and proteins. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations allow plasma donation up to twice within a seven-day period. Donors must observe a minimum of 48 hours between donations for recovery.
Adhering to these frequency guidelines maintains donor health and safety. While plasma regenerates within 24 to 48 hours, the 48-hour waiting period and seven-day limit ensure additional time for full recovery. This regulated schedule helps prevent potential side effects and ensures continued donor health.
The Plasma Donation Process
The plasma donation process begins upon arrival at the donation center with check-in and registration, where donors provide identification and address verification. This is followed by a health screening, including a questionnaire about medical history and a check of vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and pulse. First-time donors also undergo a brief physical examination by a medical specialist to confirm general health and eligibility.
Once cleared, the donor is seated, and a sterile needle is inserted into a vein, typically in the arm. Blood is drawn into an apheresis machine, which separates plasma from other blood components. These components are then returned to the donor, often with a saline solution to maintain circulation.
A typical donation session lasts 1 to 1.5 hours for returning donors; first-time donations often take longer, up to 2 to 2.5 hours, due to initial screenings. After donation, donors are advised to rest briefly, consume a light snack, and drink plenty of fluids to aid rehydration and recovery.
Eligibility for Plasma Donation
To be eligible for plasma donation, individuals must meet several criteria ensuring both donor and recipient safety. Donors typically need to be at least 18 years old and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (50 kilograms). Good general health is also necessary, assessed through a health screening and physical examination.
Various factors can lead to temporary or permanent deferral from donating plasma. Recent tattoos or piercings may require a waiting period (4 to 12 months) to mitigate bloodborne illness risk. Temporary deferrals can occur due to recent illnesses (e.g., cold, flu, COVID-19), certain medications, or recent surgeries and dental work. Individuals with specific chronic conditions or those testing positive for transmissible viruses like HIV or Hepatitis are typically permanently deferred.