Plasma donation is the process of collecting the liquid portion of blood, which contains proteins, antibodies, and clotting factors, for use in medical products. This procedure, known as plasmapheresis, is highly regulated to ensure the safety of both the donor and the final product. Understanding the federal guidelines regarding frequency and safety measures clarifies that plasma donation is a safe and regulated activity.
Regulatory Limits on Donation Frequency
The frequency of plasma donation is governed by federal guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to protect the donor’s health. Regulations permit a person to donate plasma no more than twice within any seven-day period. There must be a waiting period of at least two calendar days between donations to allow the body time for recovery and replenishment.
Plasma is composed of approximately 92% water, with the remainder containing proteins like albumin and immunoglobulins. The two-day gap allows the body to adequately replenish lost fluid volume and begin synthesizing these necessary proteins. Adhering to this schedule ensures that the donor’s protein and fluid levels remain within a healthy range, preventing depletion that could lead to negative health effects.
The Plasmapheresis Process
Plasma collection is achieved through a specialized, automated procedure called plasmapheresis. This process is designed to selectively separate the plasma from the other components of the blood while returning the red blood cells to the donor’s body. The procedure begins when a technician inserts a needle into a vein, typically in the arm, to draw whole blood.
The whole blood is then channeled into a sophisticated machine, which contains a centrifuge that spins the blood at a high speed. This centrifugation process separates the blood into its constituent parts based on density, effectively isolating the liquid plasma from the heavier red and white blood cells and platelets. An anticoagulant, such as citrate, is continuously introduced during this step to prevent the blood from clotting inside the machine.
Once separated, the plasma is diverted into a collection container. The remaining blood components—red cells, white cells, and platelets—are combined with saline solution and returned to the donor’s bloodstream through the same needle. This cycle of drawing, separating, and returning occurs repeatedly until the required volume of plasma is collected, a process that typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes. Since the red blood cells are returned, the donor does not experience the same loss of oxygen-carrying capacity that occurs with whole blood donation.
Mandatory Health Screening for Donor Safety
Before undergoing the plasmapheresis procedure, donors must pass a health screening process mandated by federal regulations. This screening is designed to confirm the donor is in good health and to ensure the donation process will not put them at risk. A licensed physician or trained personnel operating under their supervision must conduct these checks on the day of donation.
A series of measurements are taken, including vital signs like temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure, to ensure they fall within acceptable limits. Furthermore, a small blood sample is collected to test specific components that indicate overall health and donation readiness. This includes checking the donor’s hematocrit level, which is the volume percentage of red blood cells in the blood, and must be at least 38% for donation.
The total plasma protein concentration is also measured, which must be no less than 6.0 grams per 100 milliliters of blood. Low protein levels suggest the donor has not fully recovered from a previous donation or may be malnourished. These periodic lab tests, which include a full medical history review and physical examination at least annually, are fundamental safeguards against potential donor fatigue or anemia.
Post-Donation Care and Managing Common Side Effects
Following the donation, the donor must take specific steps to ensure recovery, as the process temporarily reduces the body’s fluid volume. The most immediate action is to restore hydration by drinking at least 16 ounces of water or non-caffeinated fluids shortly after the procedure. Replenishing fluids helps the body quickly restore the volume lost during plasma collection.
Donors should also eat a nutritious meal that includes protein and iron to help synthesize new plasma proteins and maintain blood health. Common minor side effects include temporary fatigue, lightheadedness, or dizziness, which occur due to the mild, temporary reduction in blood volume. Resting for a short period and consuming a snack provided by the center can usually alleviate these symptoms.
It is recommended that donors avoid strenuous physical activity, such as heavy lifting or intense exercise, for at least 24 hours to prevent unnecessary strain on the body. While rare, a donor may experience a tingling sensation in the fingers or around the mouth, which can be a sign of a mild reaction to the citrate anticoagulant, and center staff are trained to address this. Persistent or severe symptoms, such as prolonged dizziness or shortness of breath, warrant immediate medical attention.