What is plasma?
The liquid part of the blood and lymphatic fluid, which makes up about half of its volume. Plasma is devoid of cells and, unlike serum, has not clotted. Blood plasma contains antibodies and other proteins.
How often can i donate?
You can donate plasma every 28 days.
What is plasma used for?
Plasma is vital for proper blood clotting and fighting diseases, Plasma may be used for fractionation. Plasma donations are used to treat patients who have rare diseases and receive plasma-derived therapies.
What is the process like?
Whole blood is collected from the donor and then plasma is separated from the blood and its components and the remaining blood is returned to the donor. This process takes one to three hours.
Donation requirements
High school students who are at least 16 years of age require one-time parental consent: consent form-English, consent form-Español and weigh at least 110 pounds. Other donors must be at least 17 years old.
When checked by our donor care specialist, your iron level must be at least 12.5 g/dL for females and 13.0 g/dL for males.
Your blood pressure cannot be higher than 180/100 mm Hg or lower than 90/50 mm Hg. If you are currently taking medication you are eligible to donate as long as your blood pressure meets these requirements.
Your body temperature must be between 96.4 and 100.0 degrees F.
Your pulse rate must be no less than 50 beats per minute and no more than 100 beats per minute.
You will be asked a series of questions to ensure that you are eligible to donate.
Certain medications and medical conditions will prevent you from donating, at least temporarily. Call 800-962-0628 to inquire about your specific medical conditions or medications, or view the Medication Deferral List.