Plasma is the straw-colored liquid component of blood that comprises over half of its volume, carrying water, salts, enzymes, hormones, and proteins throughout the body. Plasma is separated from red and white blood cells and platelets to be used in manufacturing therapies for various diseases and conditions. This process of collecting plasma, known as plasmapheresis, is essential for creating life-saving treatments for people with rare diseases like hemophilia and primary immunodeficiencies, as well as for treating severe burns and trauma. Donors are typically compensated for their time and effort.
Minimum Age Requirements for Plasma Donation
The standard minimum age to sell plasma at most donation centers across the United States is 18 years old. This age requirement is primarily tied to the legal necessity of obtaining informed consent from the donor. Since the donor is compensated for the procedure, centers must ensure the individual is of legal age to enter into a contract and fully understand the risks involved.
While 18 is the nearly universal cutoff, some centers in certain states may permit 17-year-olds to donate with explicit parental or guardian consent. The majority of plasma collection facilities adhere strictly to the adult age of 18 to simplify regulatory compliance.
Essential Eligibility Criteria Beyond Age
Physical Requirements
Beyond being at least 18 years old, a donor must satisfy several physical and logistical requirements. A fundamental physical requirement is body weight, with donors needing to weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (50 kilograms). This weight threshold helps ensure that the donor can safely tolerate the removal of a specific volume of plasma without suffering adverse effects.
Health Screening
The screening process involves checks on the donor’s overall health and recent activities. Donors must pass a brief medical examination and a comprehensive medical history screening. This includes testing negative for infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C. Furthermore, individuals must not have had new tattoos or piercings within the preceding four months due to the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.
Logistical Requirements
Logistically, donors must present valid government-issued photo identification, proof of a permanent address, and proof of their Social Security number. These documents are necessary for legal verification and compliance with federal regulations regarding compensated donation. The frequency of donation is strictly regulated, with donors typically allowed to donate up to twice within any seven-day period to allow the body time to replenish plasma proteins.
The Plasma Donation Process Step-by-Step
The plasma donation experience begins with a registration and screening process that must be completed at every visit. Upon arrival, donors sign in and complete a health questionnaire to update their medical status. Following the questionnaire, a brief health screening is performed, which involves checking vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and a finger-prick test to confirm acceptable protein and hematocrit levels.
First-time donors are required to undergo a more detailed physical examination conducted by a trained medical specialist. This one-time exam ensures the donor is physically suitable for the process, and it must be repeated annually to maintain eligibility. Once approved, the donor proceeds to the collection area for the plasmapheresis procedure.
During plasmapheresis, the donor is connected to a specialized machine that draws whole blood from an arm vein. The machine uses sterile, automated technology to spin the blood, separating the plasma from the cellular components like red and white blood cells. The separated plasma is collected, and the remaining blood components, along with a sterile saline solution, are safely returned to the donor’s body.
The full procedure usually takes around one to one-and-a-half hours. After the donation is complete, donors are advised to rest briefly and are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids and eat a protein-rich meal to aid recovery. Compensation for the time commitment is typically loaded onto a reloadable debit card before the donor leaves the facility.