Plasma, a yellowish liquid component of blood, carries blood cells, nutrients, proteins, and antibodies throughout the body. It also helps maintain blood volume and pressure. In medicine, plasma donations treat patients with various conditions, including severe burns, trauma, and bleeding disorders. Convalescent plasma, obtained from individuals who recovered from an infection, was relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. This plasma contained antibodies developed in response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, explored for its potential to help infected patients fight the virus.
Specific Guidelines After COVID-19
After COVID-19, individuals donating plasma generally observe a waiting period for full recovery and donation safety. Most centers advise at least 10 to 14 days after complete symptom resolution. This period confirms the donor is no longer experiencing illness signs like fever or cough. Some organizations may extend this waiting period to 28 days or more after symptom resolution, or a positive test for asymptomatic individuals, depending on their specific protocols and public health recommendations.
While some centers previously required a negative COVID-19 test, this is not a universal requirement. The focus is on symptom absence for the specified duration. Guidelines for plasma donation can change based on evolving scientific understanding and local health recommendations. Donors should contact their local plasma donation center directly to obtain the most current and specific eligibility criteria for their region.
Standard Donation Criteria
Beyond specific COVID-19 recovery guidelines, all prospective plasma donors must meet a set of general eligibility requirements to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient. Donors need to be at least 18 years old. A minimum weight requirement, usually around 110 pounds (50 kilograms), is standard for safe donation.
Donors must also be in generally good health on the day of donation, which includes having stable vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse. Certain medical conditions, such as severe heart disease, specific autoimmune disorders, or a history of certain cancers, can disqualify an individual from donating plasma. Recent tattoos or body piercings often require a waiting period, typically 4 to 12 months, to reduce the risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens. Travel to certain regions with a high prevalence of specific infectious diseases may also result in a temporary deferral.
What to Expect During Donation
The plasma donation process begins with registration, where new donors complete a medical history questionnaire and provide identification. Following registration, trained staff conduct a health screening, checking vital signs like blood pressure, pulse, and temperature, and performing a finger-prick test to assess protein and iron levels. This screening confirms eligibility for that day.
Once eligible, the donor proceeds to a donation bed for the apheresis procedure. During apheresis, blood is drawn from one arm and enters a specialized machine that separates plasma from other blood components. The remaining blood components are then returned to the donor. The entire process usually takes between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. After the donation, donors are advised to rest briefly, consume fluids, and avoid strenuous activity for the day to aid recovery.