Donate plasma

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Donating plasma is a special form of blood donation. A special process is used to remove only certain blood components from the donor. The remaining cellular components of the blood are returned. Find out here how to donate plasma, how the process works and the risks involved.

What happens before donating plasma?

First of all, when you register, your personal data is recorded on the basis of your identity card or a blood donation card. You will receive a blood donation card after your first blood donation. Before actually donating the plasma, a doctor measures blood pressure, pulse, body temperature and the hemoglobin value. Requirements include a value of at least 13.5 grams per deciliter for men and 12.5 grams per deciliter for women. A blood donation questionnaire that has been completed in full and provides information about previous illnesses, medication intake and vaccinations is required. You must also have donated whole blood at least once and weigh at least 50 kilograms prior to your first plasma donation.

Anyone whose health is harmless can donate plasma. You should not donate plasma immediately after operations and vaccinations or after taking antibiotics, but rather wait a few weeks. Tattoos or piercings should also be at least four months prior to a plasma donation.

In addition, there are permanent exclusion criteria for a plasma donation. HIV tests, hepatitis B and hepatitis C tests and evidence of other dangerous diseases must come back negative. Cancer or belonging to certain risk groups - such as people with frequently changing sexual partners or alcohol, drug and drug addicts - also rule out plasma donation.

What is plasma

Plasma - also known as blood plasma - is the main component of blood alongside red and white blood cells and platelets. It consists of water, electrolytes and proteins (proteins).

How does a plasma donation work?

In order to avoid confusion, you will be asked again for your name and date of birth immediately before the plasma donation. A suitable vein is then punctured with a disposable needle and approximately 600 to 700 milliliters of blood are drawn in several cycles. The amount is mostly based on body weight.

With the help of so-called plasmapheresis, the plasma is now separated from the other blood components with a centrifuge or a filter and collected in a bag. The blood components and additional saline solution to balance the fluid are returned to the donor after the plasma has been donated. This process takes about 45 minutes. The puncture needle is then removed and a pressure bandage is applied.

After donating blood plasma, you can relax in special relaxation areas. For a quick recovery it is helpful to drink a lot and eat protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.

How is the plasma used?

The plasma is frozen immediately and may only be used after a safety quarantine of four to six months. During the quarantine period, another blood sample is taken from the donor and examined for diseases.

How are plasma donations used?

Plasma donation is used for many medical purposes. In cases of deficiency, patients with immune deficiencies or coagulation disorders benefit from the proteins. Plasma donations can also be used in the event of large blood losses. Medicines are also made from plasma. These include antibodies, coagulation factors, albumin - an important transport protein - and fibrin glue, which is used to close wounds.

Who can donate plasma?

In addition to the general requirements that also apply to blood donations, additional conditions are required for donating blood plasma. For the necessary examinations, blood is drawn and the protein content and immunoglobulin G, an important component of the immune system, are measured. In particular, the immunoglobulin must not fall below a limit of six grams per liter so that the body's own immune system is maintained.

How often can you donate plasma?

Donating plasma is a relatively gentle process, as the donor receives the cellular blood components back. The body usually builds up a lack of plasma within two days. It is therefore possible to donate plasma up to 45 times within a year.

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