How Do You Get Plasma? A Comprehensive Guide
Plasma, the yellowish liquid component of blood, is crucial for various medical treatments and therapies. It’s packed with essential proteins, electrolytes, and clotting factors that can be life-saving for patients with burns, trauma, or specific medical conditions. But how exactly is this vital substance obtained? In essence, plasma is primarily obtained through a process called plasmapheresis, which is carefully conducted at specialized donation centers. Whole blood is drawn, and then, through a meticulous separation process, the plasma is isolated, leaving the red blood cells and other cellular components behind. These components are then returned to the donor, making it a relatively low-impact donation compared to whole blood donation.
The Plasmapheresis Process: A Detailed Look
The journey of extracting plasma involves several key steps. The process starts when a donor, after being screened for eligibility, is connected to a plasmapheresis machine.
Drawing the Whole Blood
The first stage involves drawing whole blood from the donor through a needle inserted into a vein, usually in the arm. This is similar to a standard blood draw procedure but slightly more involved due to the machinery used.
Centrifugation and Separation
The drawn whole blood is then channeled into a specialized centrifuge inside the plasmapheresis machine. The centrifuge spins the blood at high speeds, causing the components to separate based on their density. The plasma, being the lightest component, rises to the top, creating a clear yellowish layer. The heavier elements, including the red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells, settle at the bottom. This is the crucial separation step that ensures only plasma is collected.
Returning Cellular Components
Once the plasma is extracted, the remaining blood components – primarily the red blood cells – are returned to the donor through the same needle. This is a key aspect of plasmapheresis, as it allows donors to safely contribute multiple times without the risk of significant blood loss or iron deficiency, which can happen with whole blood donation. The process of withdrawing and returning the blood components is repeated in cycles until the required amount of plasma has been collected. The process typically lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for the entire appointment.
Collection and Storage
The collected plasma is carefully transferred into sterile collection bags. It’s immediately frozen within 24 hours after collection to maintain its quality and preserve its valuable clotting factors. Frozen plasma can be stored for up to one year and is thawed only when needed for patient transfusions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Plasma Donation
Understanding the process of plasma donation can raise several questions. Here are 15 frequently asked questions to clarify common concerns and provide deeper insights into plasma donation.
1. How Much Can I Make Selling Plasma?
The compensation for plasma donation can vary based on several factors, including location and specific donation center policies. Typically, you can expect to earn between $30 and $60 per donation session. Some centers, especially for first-time donors, may offer introductory bonuses or higher rates. For example, some centers offer upwards of $700 in the first month for new donors.
2. What Disqualifies Me from Donating Plasma?
Certain conditions can prevent you from donating plasma. Individuals who test positive for HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C are immediately referred for medical testing and treatment and are permanently deferred from donating. Additionally, if you have recently injected drugs or steroids not prescribed by a doctor within the last three months, you’ll be ineligible to donate.
3. Is Donating Plasma Good for My Body?
Donating plasma, when done responsibly, can have some positive effects. Some claims include that it helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and other heart diseases, cleanses the blood of bad cholesterol, reduces the risk of blood clots, normalizes blood pressure, and minimizes seasonal allergies. However, these are still being researched and not all are supported by current medical evidence. It is always best to consult with a medical professional before donating.
4. What Should I Avoid Eating Before Donating Plasma?
For 48 hours before donation, you should strictly avoid smoked, spicy, or fried foods, sausages, fatty fish and meat, spices, marinades, pickles, fatty dairy products, oils, and eggs. These foods can lead to your plasma having a milky appearance, rendering it unsuitable for donation.
5. What Are the Benefits of Receiving a Plasma Transfusion?
Plasma transfusions are life-saving for various medical conditions. They can restore blood pressure and volume in patients experiencing severe blood loss, and they help in restoring electrolytes in the body, ensuring the correct balance of fluids and nutrients.
6. What Are the Potential Long-Term Effects of Donating Plasma?
Frequent and long-term plasma donation can sometimes lead to low immunoglobulin levels, as it takes time for these proteins to replenish in the body. There is also a potential risk of anemia due to incidental loss of red cells during the process.
7. Can I Donate Plasma If I Have Drugs in My System?
If you have injected drugs or steroids not prescribed by a doctor within the last three months, you are not eligible to donate plasma. This is a significant safety precaution to protect both the donor and recipient.
8. Is Donating Plasma Painful?
You might experience a slight sting when the needle is inserted, but the donation process should not be painful. Some people might experience mild reactions before, during, or after the donation, such as dizziness, nausea, or bruising at the injection site, but these are usually temporary.
9. How Does CSL Plasma Compensate New Donors?
CSL Plasma, like many donation centers, offers attractive compensation to new donors. New donors can earn over $700 in their first month by taking advantage of introductory bonus programs for frequent and consistent donation.
10. Do I Have to Claim Plasma Donations on My Taxes?
Yes, you must report the income received from plasma donations on your taxes, even if you don’t receive a 1099-Misc form. This income is considered taxable, similar to any other revenue stream.
11. How Long is Plasma Good For?
Plasma is usually frozen within 24 hours of being collected and can be stored for up to one year. Freezing it quickly is crucial for preserving its beneficial proteins and clotting factors.
12. How Long Does a Plasma Donation Appointment Take?
While the actual donation process takes about 45 minutes, the whole appointment, including screening and prep, can take up to 1.5 hours.
13. What Color is Healthy Plasma?
Healthy plasma has a yellowish tint. Any discoloration may indicate dietary issues or an illness, which will prevent you from donating.
14. Can Donating Plasma Damage My Veins?
Plasma donation is generally safe, but there are minor risks, such as vein irritation or, in rare cases, nerve damage. Fainting is also possible, particularly in people who are sensitive to needles.
15. Is it Better to Donate Plasma or Blood?
Plasma donations are beneficial for people who are looking to earn extra income while making a difference, whereas whole blood donations are better for people short on time and only want to give back. Plasma can be donated more frequently, every 28 days, while whole blood donations have a longer waiting period between donations. Individuals with type AB blood are particularly encouraged to donate plasma as it is the universal plasma type and can be given to anyone.
By understanding the process of how plasma is obtained and the factors surrounding its donation, you can make an informed decision about whether to become a plasma donor and understand the immense impact it has on those who need it.