Plasma donation, or plasmapheresis, is a procedure where blood is drawn, the plasma component is separated, and the remaining blood components are returned to the donor. This collected plasma is used to manufacture therapeutics that treat conditions like immune deficiencies and bleeding disorders. While the medical need for plasma is constant, the act of donation carries distinct physical, health, and logistical drawbacks. Understanding these disadvantages is important for anyone considering the commitment.
Acute Physical Discomfort and Reactions
The donation process begins with the insertion of a large-gauge needle, which can cause immediate pain or result in localized bruising (hematoma) around the puncture site. Since blood components are returned after plasma separation, the procedure is longer than whole blood donation, increasing the likelihood of discomfort. The loss of fluid volume can also trigger systemic effects like dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
A specific physical reaction is caused by the anticoagulant used in the machine, typically citrate. Citrate prevents clotting by binding to calcium ions in the blood. When the treated blood is returned, the citrate temporarily lowers the level of circulating ionized calcium, leading to temporary hypocalcemia.
This can manifest as a citrate reaction, characterized by tingling sensations, particularly around the mouth, fingers, and toes, and sometimes a metallic taste or muscle stiffness. In more pronounced cases, donors may experience chills, muscle twitching, or cramping, requiring the procedure to be slowed or stopped. The body rapidly metabolizes and clears the citrate.
Health Conditions That Prevent Donation
Donors must undergo a stringent screening process that excludes many individuals based on pre-existing health factors. A basic requirement is maintaining a minimum body weight, usually 110 pounds, which is a safety measure related to the total blood volume that can be processed.
Certain chronic health conditions lead to automatic or lengthy deferrals to protect both the donor and the plasma recipient. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, active cancer treatment, some autoimmune disorders, or uncontrolled high blood pressure often result in permanent ineligibility. Recent medical procedures also necessitate waiting periods, such as a four-month deferral after receiving a new tattoo or piercing in an unregulated setting due to the potential risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure.
A donor’s medication list is carefully reviewed, as certain drugs can be transferred into the plasma and affect the final therapeutic products; for example, blood thinners are often a disqualifier. Furthermore, travel history is a major factor, with temporary deferrals imposed on individuals who have recently visited areas where diseases like malaria or Zika are endemic, or countries designated as having a theoretical risk for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Even a common temporary illness, such as a cold or the flu, will lead to a temporary deferral until the donor is fully recovered and asymptomatic.
Time Investment Versus Compensation
The commitment of time presents a major drawback to plasma donation. The first visit frequently requires two hours or more to complete. Subsequent donation sessions are shorter, typically lasting between 60 to 90 minutes, but this remains a substantial recurring time commitment.
Time investment must account for travel, waiting periods before screening, and recovery time post-donation. Federal regulations limit donors to a maximum of twice in any seven-day period, with a minimum of 48 hours between donations.
The financial compensation offered can result in a low effective hourly rate compared to other forms of employment. Regular compensation rates typically range from $30 to $70 per visit. When factoring in the total time spent, the opportunity cost of dedicating hours to the process might outweigh the financial reward for many individuals.