Plasmapheresis is the process of drawing blood, separating the liquid plasma from the blood cells, and returning the cells to the donor. Plasma is a straw-colored fluid composed primarily of water, proteins, clotting factors, and antibodies. These components are used to create life-saving pharmaceuticals for patients with various disorders. Donating plasma twice a week is a frequent schedule permitted under strict regulatory oversight. This high frequency is possible because the body quickly replenishes the water and salts in plasma, but it places a greater demand on the body’s ability to regenerate proteins.
Regulatory Standards for Frequent Plasma Donation
Major regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), establish clear limits on how often a person can donate plasma to prioritize donor safety. Standard guidelines permit donation up to twice within any seven-day period. This frequency is allowed because the body’s plasma volume, which is mostly water, is rapidly restored within 24 to 48 hours.
A mandatory waiting period of at least 48 hours must pass between consecutive donations. This regulation ensures the donor’s system has sufficient time to begin replenishing lost proteins and solutes. Donors must undergo a full medical examination before their first donation, followed by an abbreviated screening before every subsequent visit. These screenings, which include weight checks and blood tests, confirm the donor remains healthy enough for the frequent schedule.
Immediate Physical Effects of Plasmapheresis
During plasmapheresis, donors may experience several temporary physical effects, most of which are mild. A common side effect is localized bruising or soreness at the venipuncture site. This occurs due to minor damage to the blood vessels and typically resolves quickly.
The procedure uses an anticoagulant, typically citrate, to prevent the blood from clotting in the machine. When the treated blood is returned, the citrate temporarily binds with calcium in the bloodstream, potentially causing mild hypocalcemia. Symptoms often include a tingling sensation in the lips, fingers, or toes, shivering, or lightheadedness. These effects are transient and can be mitigated by proper hydration and consuming a meal before donation.
Monitoring Long-Term Health Considerations
Frequent plasma donation requires consistent medical monitoring to prevent the depletion of important blood components, particularly proteins. Plasma contains immunoglobulins (antibodies central to the immune system) and albumin (which regulates fluid balance). Regular donation can reduce total protein levels, so centers must test protein levels periodically to ensure they remain above safe thresholds. A risk with high-frequency donation is the potential for Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels to drop too low, impairing the ability to fight infection.
While the body regenerates these proteins, the twice-weekly schedule places a sustained demand on this process. Frequent donors may also experience an indirect effect on their iron stores. Although red blood cells are returned, a small cumulative blood loss during the process can increase the risk of iron depletion over time. To maintain long-term safety, centers conduct mandatory screening tests, including checking hematocrit and total protein levels before each donation. If a donor’s levels fall outside the acceptable range, they are temporarily deferred until recovery.